Chapter 23 Summary

Holden calls Mr. Antolini and tells him that he has flunked out of Pencey. Mr. Antolini is very nice and tells Holden to come right over. Mr. Antolini had picked James up after he jumped out of the window and taken him to the infirmary. After their conversation, Holden and Phoebe dance until they hear their parents come home. Holden hides in the closet. When his mother has left the room, Holden asks Phoebe for some money. She gives him the money she is supposed to use to buy Christmas presents. As he takes the money, he starts to cry. The crying scares Phoebe, but he can't stop. He tells Phoebe goodbye and gives her his hunting hat.

Chapter 23 Analysis

Holden seems to be preparing for his demise. Many of his actions in this chapter foreshadow his eventual suicide attempt. First, he calls...