What is Holden's stated reason for leaving Elkton Hills?

• A. He left because the school was too strict.
• B. He left because he wanted to travel.
• C. He blames the school master who treated the wealthy right and the poor wrong.
• D. He was expelled for fighting.

Answer: (C)

Holden’s actions here stem from his reaction to inequality and hypocrisy he sees in adult-run institutions. He pins Elkton Hills’ problem on the headmaster’s bias: the wealthy students are treated with favoritism while the poorer ones are treated poorly. This fits Holden’s pattern of reacting against phoniness and unfair social rules, rather than leaving for reasons like strict rules, travel plans, or getting into fights.

So the best answer isn’t about being strict, wanting to travel, or getting expelled for a fight; it’s about recognizing and resisting the unequal treatment he witnessed at the school.