In chapter 17, Holden takes Sally Hayes to see a show starring the Lunts, which excites her but bores Holden. At the end of the first act, Holden and Sally step outside to smoke a cigarette and Holden refers to everyone standing around as phonies, which is a typical statement he often makes. Holden then mentions that he is disgusted with the way everyone seems to be talking about the show so that everyone can see how smart they are. Holden believes that people are purposely acting "blasé" and cannot stand to be around them as they carry on pointless conversations. Holden referring to the crowd of people outside smoking as phonies is something that he typically says because he is an insecure teenager who struggles to fit in and comprehend the social world around him. Holden believes that the people talking among themselves are attempting to act smarter and more interesting than they truly are simply because they are in the presence of other people. However, Holden is more than likely overexaggerating and being cynical. Being that he is an unreliable narrator, Holden's negative comments reveal more about himself than the actions of others.
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