In J.D. Salinger's novel, Holden Caulfield is a teenage boy who struggles with the complexities of growing up in a post-World War II America. The story is set mainly in New York City, where Holden often reflects on his feelings of alienation and confusion. Throughout the novel, Holden's voice is characterized by a casual, colloquial tone, including frequent use of phrases like 'If you really want to know,' and 'It killed me.' These expressions reveal his inner turmoil and attitude toward the world around him. Holden's perspective is often marked by a sense of nostalgia and disillusionment, yet he also displays moments of tenderness and longing for connection. His narrative style includes fragmented sentences, colloquial language, and a mixture of humor and bitterness, which makes his voice distinctive. As Holden navigates the city, his language often contains slang and idiomatic expressions, such as 'phony,' to describe the people he encounters. These phrases serve to underline his critical attitude and sense of alienation. Understanding Holden's language helps readers grasp his complex emotional state and his ongoing battle with maturity and authenticity.