How
 is 
the 
theme 
of 
“falling” 
played 
out 
in 
the
 novel?

Yes falling is a definite motif in this book. Holden is in a perpetual state of falling. He is falling from authority; he is falling from reality; he is falling away from his friends; he is falling away from himself. Mr. Antollini attempts to save Holden from an inevitable crash; he believed that Holden was “in for a terrible fall.” We get to watch Holden reject the trappings of society while wanting to indulge in them at the same time. This paradox sends Holden into an emotional tailspin which we think he just might survive by the end of the book....maybe!