Why is it important to Holden that Phoebe not be mad at him?

• A. He fears Phoebe will move away.
• B. He fears Phoebe will be mad and die like Allie.
• C. She will forgive him for leaving.
• D. He wants her to cover for him.

Answer: (B)

The question taps into Holden’s deep need to protect his sister Phoebe and his unresolved grief over Allie. Holden clings to Phoebe as a source of innocence and stability in a world that feels “phony” and unsafe. Because Allie died young and remains a menacing memory for him, he fears that any anger or upset from Phoebe would break that fragile connection and mirror a kind of harm he associates with loss and death. So wanting Phoebe not to be mad is really about keeping her safe, keeping her close, and avoiding a blow that he already dreads from Allie’s death. That is why the idea that Phoebe could be mad and die like Allie best captures the motive behind Holden’s concern. The other options miss this emotional resonance: moving away, forgiving him for leaving, or wanting her to cover for him don’t connect as directly to his fear of losing Phoebe or re‑invoking Allie’s fate.