The History Paper

Holden receives a letter from his History professor, Mr. Spencer. Holden obliges because he does feel respect for Mr. Spencer. While at Spencer's old cabin he notes the sickness hanging about and how there is nothing sadder than an old mans robe. Through the course of the meeting Spencer gives Holden back his final essay on which he received an F. While most regard failing grades as proof that those receiving them are stupid, which is far from what Holden is. On the contrary, Holden is quite intelligent, he just doesn't care about school.


"I can't seem to get very interested in them although your lectures are very interesting. It is all right with me if you flunk me though as I am flunking everything else except English anyway."


"I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot."