The Catcher in the Rye Chapter 23
Mr. Antolini invites Holden over immediately, agreeing to give him a place to sleep that night. However, before leaving, Holden smokes a cigarette, and spends a little more time with Phoebe, talking and dancing. However, the parents arrive home, so Holden must quickly extinguish the cigarette and hide in the closet. Their mother smells the cigarette, and scolds Phoebe for smoking. However, their mother does not detect Holden’s presence.
After their mother leaves the room, Holden asks Phoebe if he can borrow a little money. Instead, she gives him all of the savings she’s got, which is her Christmas money. Holden is overwhelmed by her unselfish act. He gives her his highly treasured hunting cap, and slips out the back and down the stairs.
Mr. Antolini answers the door holding an alcoholic beverage, as a party at the house has just come to a close. Holden is tired, but Mr. Antolini is talkative, and they engage in some conversation. Very soon though, Holden finds Mr. Antolini’s words boorish, annoying, and unwelcome. Mr. Antolini does not agree with Holden on all things, even siding with another teacher who had failed Holden in a class. Mr. Antolini drones on seemingly endlessly, about topics that Holden could not care less about. Holden’s irritation is further aggravated by the fact that he has slept very little over the past couple of days.
Finally, Holden falls asleep, only to be awakened very shortly afterwards to find Mr. Antolini oddly stroking Holden’s head. Holden is convinced that the man is a pervert, and hastily leaves the home.
Analysis:
Holden’s disappointment in Mr. Antolini is depressing to Holden. Holden had previously held the young teacher in high regard, but now sees that Mr. Antolini exhibits signs of alcoholic dependency, and that his words are not the pearls of wisdom expected. Holden had expected Mr. Antolini to be a man of honor at all times, and when Holden discovers that this is not the case, he is disillusioned.
When Holden awakes to Mr. Antolini stroking his head, he is shocked and disgusted. Of course, the reader never receives confirmation--- or denial--- that Mr. Antolini had sexual intention in mind, but Holden, perhaps in his youthful state of sexual bewilderment, is convinced of it. Holden’s disgust is all of the excuse he needs to leave.
