Catcher in the rye question?

Question

(im not just looking for a way to get out of doing my homework i have 30 questions and this is the only one i cant get i just cant figure it out. what am i not seeing?...)

"Consider Holden's and phoebes trip to central park and the carousel. What is he enacting or re-enacting? why does he become so happy yet sad? This seen deserves major attention."

Answer 1

Holden is (through out the book) sad about leaving  his childhood behind. The carousel is a symbol of childhood and innocence. Phoebe is on it (still a child) and he's happy about her still having that innocence but sad because he's has left it (he won't get on the carousel with her).  The scene also deserves alot of attention because it's the first time in the book that Holden says he's happy.

Hope that helps! =)