Why does holden give a false name to mrs.morrow?

Holden gives a false name to Mrs. Morrow as a way to escape his own identity and the pressures of his life. By adopting the persona of "Rudolf Schmidt," he creates a distance from his true self, allowing him to engage in a conversation without the weight of his problems. This act reflects Holden's deep-seated feelings of isolation and his desire for connection without the burden of authenticity. It also showcases his tendency to lie as a coping mechanism in uncomfortable situations.