The Catcher in the Rye Group

Question:

badminton
badminton
Student

What does Mr. Antolini say about human behavior in "The Catcher in the Rye"? What advice does he offer Holden?

Rate question:

Posted by badminton on Wednesday October 15, 2008 at 11:45 AM and tagged with advice, holden, mr antolini, the catcher in the rye.

Answers:


  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Mr. Antolini, Holden's favorite English teacher, tells Holden he is headed "for a fall". He writes a quotation on a piece of paper which reads,""The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one." In other words, Holden is trying too hard to find a "great" cause instead of concentrating on everyday matters that take maturity to handle. Holden doesn't have time to really consider Antolini's advice because he bolts from Antolini's house after Antolini pats him on the head.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/catcher

    Rate answer:

    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Wednesday October 15, 2008 at 12:04 PM