Contents
23
Overview
Holden phones Mr. Antolini, who invites him over. Back in D.B.’s room, Holden dances tenderly with Phoebe until their mother returns, forcing Holden to hide. After Phoebe covers for the smoke, Holden decides to leave immediately, accepts her Christmas money, breaks down in tears, gives her his red hunting hat, and slips out to go to Antolini’s.
Summary
Holden quickly calls Mr. Antolini to avoid his parents overhearing. Mr. Antolini, concerned but cordial, invites Holden to come over at once. Holden recalls Antolini’s compassion during James Castle’s death, underscoring why Holden trusts him now.
Returning to D.B.’s room, Holden finds Phoebe listening to music and invites her to dance. They share several numbers, revealing their closeness and Phoebe’s talent. Afterward, they joke about Phoebe’s trick for making a fever, which is cut short by the sound of the front door.
As their mother enters, Holden hides in the closet and snuffs his cigarette. Mrs. Caulfield questions Phoebe about a cigarette smell; Phoebe claims she briefly tried one and deflects further concerns with small talk about the movie and dinner. Their mother, with a headache, eventually leaves Phoebe to sleep.
Holden decides he must leave immediately, believing now is the safest time. In the dark, he asks Phoebe for money; she offers her Christmas savings. When Phoebe worries he’ll miss her school play, Holden promises to see it and says he’ll stay with Mr. Antolini for a couple of nights.
When Phoebe hands Holden $8.65, his pent-up strain breaks and he cries silently. They cling to each other until he calms down. Holden refuses to stay, gives Phoebe his red hunting hat as a keepsake, promises to call if he can, and slips out via the back stairs, unseen.
Who Appears
- Holden CaulfieldNarrator; calls Mr. Antolini, dances with Phoebe, hides from their mother, accepts Phoebe’s money, breaks down, and leaves for Antolini’s.
- Phoebe CaulfieldHolden’s sister; dances with him, covers the cigarette smell, lends him $8.65, comforts him, receives his red hunting hat.
- Mrs. CaulfieldHolden’s mother; returns home, questions Phoebe about smoking, chats briefly, and leaves with a headache.
- Mr. AntoliniFormer teacher; takes Holden’s late-night call and invites him over, a trusted adult refuge.