For example, some people see something less than innocent in the attachment between Holden and Phoebe.
Many people seem to think so.
Others say that Holden is slightly insane, possibly due to the death of his little brother, Allie. He sees nothing but death, grime, and squalor in general because his mind is clouded wioth the memory of Allie. Still others believe Holden is demented because of a bad childhood. His parents are either just plain bad parents, or maybe he was denied his parents' attention, especially his mother's, during a crucial stage of development. Possibly they were too consumed with Allie's battle with leukemia to pay Holden his due attention.