The reason Holden came home was so that he could say goodbye to his sister. Luckily, his parents weren't home, and he is able to sneak in. Phoebe is thrilled to see Holden, but then realizes why he is there. He had flunked out again.
This is a very important scene for the novel because it presents both sides of Holden to the reader, and the title is made clear as well. He explains to his sister that he can't see himself being any kind of scientist or lawyer. The only thing he can see for his future is being a catcher in the rye--someone who watches over and protects young kids from any type of danger from the edge of a field of rye. This is both admitting that he is a failure and proving that he is sensitive to those who don't fit into society because they're either outcasts or powerless.
Phoebe understands this and begins to celebrate with him. They dance to about four songs on the radio, and then are surprised that her mother comes to her door. She saw Phoebe's light was on. Phoebe covers for him by telling her mother that she couldn't sleep, and the smoke she smells is from her smoking--but she only took one puff. Her mother is convinced and she leaves. This gets Holden off the hook, and he is able to sneak back out.
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