The Catcher in the Rye

Is there anything hypocritical in Holden's view of Sally Hayes? Or in his estimate of Slagle and the suitcases?

Chapter 15

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Holden returns to his normal state of affairs and preoccupations. He treats Sally Hayes in the same manner as he does the other persons he meets or mentions in the course of the novel: outwardly friendly and cordial while masking a core of contempt for their values and idiosyncrasies. So yes, Holden is hypocritical in that he is putting on a show with Sally. At Grand Central Station, where Holden checks in his bags after leaving the hotel, he sees two nuns with cheap suitcases. Holden reminisces about his roommate at Elkton Hills, Dick Slagle who had cheap suitcases and would complain about how everything was bourgeois. He chats with the nuns and gives them a donation. I don't know if this is hypocritical but it does demonstrate Holden's very narrow interpretation of people and class structure.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/the-catcher-in-the-rye/study-guide/section4/