Chapter 18- War

Holden starts off in chapter 18 calling up an old 'friend' and then he goes to the movies. He sees movie about a British man who comes home from war and lost his memory. The point is it is a sappy movie in Holden's opinion and he thinks it is very phony. But after the movie Holden starts thinking about war. We learn that his older brother D.B. went to war. We also learn that Holden does not like the fact that if you are drafted for the Army you have to be in it for a long period of time. Holden also mentions he hates the thought of being in the Army with phony guys and being forced to stare at the back of their necks when they are in line. This is another of Holden's weird ticks, it is a bit strange that having to stare at someones neck would bother Holden. his older brother D.B. told him he hated the war, but it obviously made a big impact on his life. Holden also says he likes the book called, The Great Gatsby. This is surprising because The Great Gatsby is known for having phony characters. What do you think Holden's views are on the war? Why do you think staring at the back of peoples necks bothers Holden? Why do you think he likes The Great Gatsby but not the war movie?