What does Holden's plan to run away with Phoebe reveal about his longing?

• A. It shows his desire to join the adult world of success.
• B. It shows his desire to escape phoniness and preserve a sense of safety and innocence for his sister.
• C. It shows his ambition to become a celebrity.
• D. It shows his intent to harm his sister.

Answer: (B)

This plan shows Holden’s longing to protect innocence and escape the phoniness of the adult world, especially for his sister. He thinks of Phoebe as pure and trusting, and he imagines himself as the guardian who keeps her away from the corrupting pressures he sees in grown-up life. Running away with her would create a temporary, safer world where she can remain childlike and unscarred by what he calls the “phoniness” around adults. That protective instinct is at the heart of his desire—not to join the adult world, become famous, or cause harm, but to shield Phoebe and himself from losing their sense of safety and honesty.