Chapter 14

It is close to daybreak, but Holden is depressed and has begun talking to his deceased brother Allie. Holden recalls a time when he and his friend were planning to visit Lake Sedebego. Allie had wanted to join them, Holden had refused. Holden now regrets not taking Allie along.

As he lies on his bed, he tries to pray, but is unable to. Though he considers himself an atheist, Holden wonders if he, like Jesus, is merely annoyed with his disciples. He recalls a school debate where he had argued that though Jesus’ disciples may have sent Judas to hell, Jesus himself would not have because Jesus believed in forgiveness.

At this point, there is a knock on the door. Sunny is back with Maurice to demand her extra money, and when Holden refuses to pay, he is beaten up by Maurice. In this chapter, readers can notice that Holden’s character has a certain depth. He often wonders about abstract concepts—the larger questions in life.