The Catcher in the Rye: Mr. Antolini

Mr. Antolini is a former teacher of Holden. He is probably the only adult that Holden really trusts. Holden does not see Mr. Antolini as a phony. Mr. Antolini does not talk to Holden like he is his superior, which is a big reason why Holden does not see him as phony. Mr. Antolini also invites Holden into his home in the middle of the night after Holden called him. Mr. Antolini's house is dirty, and he is a heavy drinker. Mr. Antolini does not try to hide these facts from Holden. This is another reason why Holden likes him. Mr. Antolini is probably one of the only adults who has been completely real with Holden. He never tries to hide anything from him.

When Holden arrives at Mr. Antolini's house, Mr. Antolini makes him feel at home. Mr. Antolini listens to Holden's problems. He also offers him advice. Mr. Antolini says that he thinks Holden should return to school. He thinks it is important for Holden to get a full education, and it is. Holden appreciates that Mr. Antolini will talk to him about his problems in the middle of the night. Holden really looks up to Mr. Antolini.

Holden falls asleep on Mr. Antolini's couch, but he awakens from Mr. Antolini stroking his hair. Holden is freaked out by that gesture. Holden comes to the conclusion that Mr. Antolini is gay, so he storms off. There is not enough proof to say that Mr. Antolini is really gay, but his gesture may not have been the best one. He was just showing his concern for the poor lost teenager, but he should have known that Holden might flip out.

As the reader we know that Holden has been obsessed with sex for the past couple of days. We also know that he does not like homosexuals, and that he is afraid he may become one. After leaving Mr. Antolini's house, Holden feels very bad for leaving him. He thinks maybe he made the wrong assumption about him, and he soons begins to wonder about his own character. This is the part of the story where Holden finally realizes he may be wrong about the many assumptions he makes about people.