What does Holden say about the innocence of children in relation to curse words?

• A. The innocence of teachers.
• B. The innocence of children.
• C. The innocence of adults.
• D. The innocence of the city.

Answer: (B)

Holden’s idea here centers on protecting the purity of children. He sees kids as naturally innocent and wants to shield that innocence from the rough, adult world, including the profanity adults use. When he thinks about curse words, he frames them as part of grown-up life that can contaminate or corrupt a child’s sense of safety and honesty. So the innocence at stake is that of children, and preserving it is what matters to him. The other options don’t fit the emphasis of his concern—he isn’t focusing on teachers, adults, or the city as the target of this innocence.