What does Phoebe's statement reveal about Holden?

• A. He is depressed and immature, unable to see the good in anything
• B. He is confident and positive
• C. He dislikes his sister Phoebe
• D. He plans to move away

Answer: (A)

Phoebe’s statement exposes Holden’s fragile emotional state and his struggle with growing up. She speaks with plain honesty and warmth, and her response highlights how Holden often reacts with cynicism and gloom rather than seeing any possibility for good. That contrast—Phoebe’s hopeful, straightforward outlook versus Holden’s persistent negativity—reveals that he is feeling depressed and immature in how he handles the world around him, not confident or buoyant. It also shows that his feelings aren’t about disliking Phoebe; their relationship conveys care, even as he pushes others away. There’s no clear sign in this moment that he plans to move away, so that option doesn’t fit the evidence.