Question

“Luc” is the Latin word root meaning light. Of what significance is it that Salinger names Holden’s older friend Carl Luce

Answer 1

From the etymology of “luce” to “light” to Phoebe’s name conveying shining, it is apparent there is much beneath the surface of J.D. Salinger’s character’s titles. Whether he intended for Holden’s last name to signify his love for preserving innocence has been disputed, but its meaning cannot be more obvious than if it were written out for the reader.