Chapter 2

Spencer is unable to ascertain how Holden could have failed his paper. Ironically, Holden ends up consoling Spencer and requests him not to regret the fact that he had to fail Holden. As Spencer advises him, Holden is distracted by thoughts of the ducks at Central Park. He wonders who might take care of the ducks in the brutal winter, and whether the birds would migrate South. Though Holden dismisses the Dickensian hero at the beginning of the book, he now finds himself thinking that he is quite similar to the Dickensian hero on account of his own sensitive nature. By now Holden is lost in his own thoughts as Spencer continues to sermonize. Despite his inability to pay attention, Holden’s thoughts reveal that he is not just a rebel for the sake of being a rebel: he is contemplative and moved easily. When Spencer wishes him luck, Holden is unable to see this as a kind gesture; he only sees it as a case of excessive, perhaps even misplaced, optimism.