D Salinger, the relationship between Holden and his brother Allie conveys a loss of a meaningful connection and Holden's identity. Allie was someone that Holden was able to spend time with and talk to whenever he needed. Allie's death caused Holden to build a relationship with Phoebe and affected Holden's mind, and Holden felt like he had a shadow casted upon him with academics. After Allies death, Holden starts a relationship with Phoebe like the one he had with Allie. Holden's sister fills the hole that he has after the death of Allie; he refers to his sister Phoebe when he wants to talk to someone. Holden says, "I damn near gave my kid sister Phoebe a buzz, though. I certainly felt like talking to her on the phone" (87). Holden is very involved in Phoebe's life: he knows about the books she writing, her favorite movie and what her grades are like. Phoebe cares just as much for Holden as he does for her; she is always saying, "Daddy'll kill you" (214) when she finds Holden got kicked out of school. She protected Holden from his mom by lying about the cigarette (230).
Holden makes it clear that he thinks he is the dumb sibling. He says, "I am the only really dumb one." Holden has left many prestigious private schools and doesn't seem to care. He said, "I didn't exactly flunk out or anything. I just quit, sort of," he quit a school because he was "surrounded by phonies." He doesn't care enough about school to stay at Elkton Hills and get an education. Holden's old teacher, Mr. Antolini, recognizes that Holden has problems, like hating things, and that he needs to find out where he wants to go. Mr. Antolini says, "Your first move will be to apply yourself in school You're a students – whether the idea appeals to your or not. Your in love with knowledge." The adults around Holden are able to recognize that he has potential and that he just needs to apply himself.