Contents
1
Overview
Holden Caulfield introduces himself, dismisses his past, and frames the story as what led to his current rest cure. He reveals he’s been expelled from Pencey Prep, laments the school’s phoniness, recalls a fencing mishap, and seeks a proper goodbye before visiting his ill history teacher, Mr. Spencer.
Summary
Holden Caulfield opens by refusing to give a full autobiography, saying he’ll recount the “madman” events around last Christmas that led to his current rest and checkups. He mentions his successful writer brother D.B. in Hollywood and expresses contempt for movies.
Holden chooses to start with the day he left Pencey Prep in Agerstown. He criticizes the school’s glossy image and claims it’s full of phoniness. During the big Saxon Hall football game, he stands alone on Thomsen Hill, observing from a distance and recalling the headmaster’s daughter, Selma Thurmer, whom he likes for not pretending her father is great.
Holden explains he missed the game because, as fencing team manager, he had lost all the equipment on the subway during a trip to New York, causing the meet’s cancellation and the team’s anger. He then reveals he has been expelled for failing four subjects and not applying himself, despite warnings and a parental conference with Headmaster Thurmer.
In the freezing December cold, Holden lingers to “feel a good-by” to Pencey. A memory of tossing a football at dusk with Robert Tichener and Paul Campbell, and being sent in by biology teacher Mr. Zambesi, gives him the goodbye he needs.
He runs toward his history teacher Mr. Spencer’s off-campus home on Anthony Wayne Avenue, nearly slipping on the icy road and feeling as if he’s disappearing when crossing. At the house, Mrs. Spencer warmly lets him in. Their brief exchange reveals she knows about his expulsion, and she sends him to see Mr. Spencer.
Who Appears
- Holden CaulfieldNarrator; recently expelled from Pencey; cynical about phoniness; seeks a meaningful goodbye before visiting Mr. Spencer.
- Mr. SpencerHolden’s history teacher, sick with the grippe; asked Holden to visit before he leaves.
- Mrs. SpencerMr. Spencer’s wife; welcomes Holden warmly and directs him to Mr. Spencer.
- D.B.Holden’s older brother; a successful Hollywood writer whom Holden resents for ‘selling out.’
- Selma ThurmerHeadmaster’s daughter; seen at games; liked by Holden for not idolizing her father.
- Robert TichenerHolden’s schoolmate; part of a fond memory that helps Holden say goodbye.
- Paul CampbellHolden’s schoolmate; tossed a football with Holden during the remembered scene.
- Mr. ZambesiBiology teacher who ended the boys’ dusk football game, anchoring Holden’s goodbye memory.
- Headmaster ThurmerPencey’s headmaster; met with Holden’s parents about his poor performance.