Mr. Spencer vs Mr. Antolini
Mr. Spencer vs Mr. Antolini In The Catcher in the Rye , Holden Caulfield has contrasting opinions about his conversations with Mr. Spencer and Mr. Antolini. Both Mr. Spencer and Mr. Antolini were Holden’s previous teachers and they offer similar advice, but Holden has different internal monologues occurring during these interactions which highlights his views and beliefs on society. After getting kicked out of Pencey for failing four of his classes, Holden goes over to Mr. Spencer’s house to say his goodbyes. At his house, Holden receives a lecture from him about how “life is a game that one plays according to the rules” (Salinger 12). Caulfield lashes back against this mentality, internally, by making snide remarks about how unfair this game of life can be if you aren’t on the right side of things. The belief that one must follow the rules without reason conflicts with Holden’s beliefs about nonconformity and individuality (kind of like a pick-me special snowflake). He imme...