As Holden’s mental state diminishes as his story continues, readers can view and learn from his insufficient means of caring for himself and asking for help, as well as his tendency to mask his problems. Holden acknowledges his self-deprecating and destructive personality by saying, “I swear to God I’m a madman,” which is then compounded by his poor decision-making, (Salinger, 149). Towards the end of the story, as he is deep in his desolation, he begins to hallucinate that, “every time I’d get to the end of a block I’d make believe I was talking to my brother Allie,” (218). Contradictory to Holden believing that everyone is a “phony,” he gains a false persona based on who he is around and what he wants others to believe. From lying about
