Holden and the Cliff
Chapter 22 of The Catcher in the Rye is marked by a conversation between Holden Caulfield and his younger sister Phoebe in which Holden is asked a multitude of profound questions. Among these is a question that is a centerpiece of the coming-of-age experience; Phoebe asks, "Name something you'd like to be . Like a scientist. Or a law yer or something" (223). In response to the question, Holden ventures down a rather familiar path, expressing his disinterest and distaste for these two professions that are well-respected by society, "'I couldn't be a scientist. I'm no good in science'... 'Lawyers are all right, I guess -- but it doesn't appeal to me'... 'All you do is make a lot of dough and play golf and play bridge and buy cars and drink martinis and look like a hot-shot'" (223). As Holden continues to ponder the question, an idea spontaneously enters his mind, "You know what I'd like to be? I mean if I had my goddam ...