Phoebe Caulfield Analysis

Phoebe Caulfield

Phoebe Caulfield is Holden's little sister. She is a clever and comprehensive ten year-old girl. Phoebe along with Holden's mother and Jane Gallagher is one of the girls who Holden really cares for. She's cheerful and lively; she is a total sunshine.

Most of time Holden relies on her because he knows that she won't judge him and will never let him down. Holden constantly talks about how able is Phoebe to understand him so well even if he doesn't shows all his inner feelings. Although she is a very young girl, she has somehow a mature view toward problems and worries about her brother. Unlike Holden, she understands that growing up and leaving childhood behind is a part of life's cycle. Sometimes she gets upset because she wants Holden to be conscious about this and take a mature step to become a  responsible young man .  

Phoebe is a guide to Holden as she tells him honestly what she thinks about his different issues to help him take a right path. Also she advises him in what he should do to avoid getting into trouble and make his parents angry. Phoebe understands the loneliness and bitterness Holden feels all the time. She also knows Holden is a stubborn and insecure person. She can easily noticed through Holden's rebelliousness he secretly asks a cry for help, like if he is drowning himself with all the hatred he has toward the world.

Holden and Phoebe have a mutual affection, they both know they will always have each other. Holden really thinks Phoebe is the best and smartest little girl and you can tell he would almost do anything for her. Phoebe is like Holden's psychologist and the person that he seeks when he is lost or wants to go home.