1. Sibling-like Bond:
- Holden cares deeply for his younger sister, Phoebe, and tries to shield her from the harsh realities of the world he sees around him. He sees her as a symbol of innocence and purity in contrast to the phoniness he encounters in adults.
2. Admiring Their Innocence:
- Holden often takes notice of young children and admires their carefree and joyful nature. He appreciates their lack of pretense and their genuine curiosity about the world.
3. Finding Solace in Their Company:
- When surrounded by the phoniness and superficiality of adults, Holden finds solace and comfort in the company of little kids. He believes they are the only ones who truly understand him.
4. Protective Instincts:
- Holden exhibits strong protective instincts toward younger kids, especially Phoebe. He fears that they may become corrupted or lose their innocence as they grow up in the world he perceives as phony and corrupt.
5. Empathy and Understanding:
- Holden understands the vulnerabilities of childhood, and he empathizes with the challenges that children face. He tries to relate to their perspectives and provide comfort when they are upset.
6. Seeing Himself in Them:
- Sometimes, Holden sees parts of himself in little kids. He recognizes the vulnerability and uncertainty he felt as a child, and he longs for the simpler times of childhood.
7. Trying to Protect Their Innocence:
- Holden makes efforts to protect the innocence of little kids by shielding them from the harshness and vulgarity of the adult world. He wants them to preserve their purity for as long as possible.
Overall, Holden's interactions with little kids reveal his longing for a simpler, more authentic existence. He sees them as symbols of innocence, honesty, and genuine emotion in a world that he finds increasingly artificial and insincere.