The Catcher in the Rye Lesson Plan

What do you notice about Holden's tone and word choice? Is there anything strange or surprising about it?

Holden alternates between low-brow and high-brow language, and has phrases that he repeats somewhat compulsively. It often sounds like he is trying to offset an immature story or thought (such as the one about Ackley farting in church) by describing it in what he sees as "grown-up" terms. He is struggling with growing up, and it is evident in his diction. Students will also notice Holden's frequent repetition of words and phrases like "phony," "I had to admit..." etc.

How many versions of Holden are there in the story so far?