Chapter 8

Dialectical Quote 1:

I nodded and took out my handkerchief. "I got hit with a snowball" I said, “it was one of those very icy ones." I probably would've told her what really happened, but it would've taken too long. I liked her, though. I was beginning to feel sort of sorry I'd told her my name was Rudolf Schmidt. 'Old Ernie.' I said. "He's one of the most popular boys at Pencey. Did you know that?" (Pg.56)

Sometimes I’ll have a story to tell, and I will want to share it, only I know it would take too long. Therefore, instead of boring myself, I will either tell the person who wants to hear it a brief summarization of it which will satisfy their appetite, or pretend like I never had one to tell in the first place.

Dialectical Quote 2:

“Oh, it’ll be alright and everything! It’s right near the outside. And it’s a very tine one. They can take it out in about two minutes.” (Pg.58)

Holden telling of his false aliment in the brain symbolizes his insanity. The tumors, which as all tumors do have the potential to grow, symbolize Holden’s lies growing uncontrollably.

Theme Quote:

“Oh, how nice!” the lady said. But not corny. She was just nice and all. “I must tell Ernest we met,” she said. “May I ask your name, dear?” Rudolf Schmidt,” I told her. I didn’t feel like giving her my whole life history.” (Pg.54-55)

Holden lies about his name to Mrs. Morrow. He alienates himself from her by telling her lies about himself and by not telling her about who he really is. Like he said, he didn’t want to go into detail about his life history, another way he’s able to cuts things short by altering the truth.