To begin with, the faculty does not approve of his appearance.  They find that the red carnation in his buttonhole “was not properly significant of the contrite spirit befitting a boy under the ban of suspension.”  He uses his eyes “in a theatrical sort of way,” which also annoys them, for again, he does not seem to know his place, which should be one of humility. They believe he acts in a defiant way towards them, but it is a behavior they have difficulty putting into words. He shrugs his shoulders during this interview as well as smiles at them (showing very white teeth), and they interpret all of this as insolence.