Introduction:
Holden is kicked out of Pency in Chapter 1, but the book does not show the
process. This adaptation shows the scene where KMLA headmaster scolds Holden
and kicks him out.
I really hate
going to the headmaster’s room. I really do. I’ve been there a few times, but
none were quite pleasant. People stare and look at me,
as if I killed a person, when I say, “Headmaster called me.” Like they didn’t
do anything wrong. Adults always just sits there, acting all innocent, and
judge other people. Such a phony.
The headmaster just had to make this unpleasing meeting more perfect, by
setting the meeting in the weekend. I was planning to go to “Sosa”, but I guess
that is gone in the wind. I tried to miss the meeting, but my roommate forced
me to go, saying I might get kicked out, if I don’t go. But I really don’t
care. This place was getting too phony for me, after all. Anyway, I went. I
hated the atmosphere. Thick stiffness was in the air, since everyone there was
trying to act all tough and the goddam stare I told you about sickened me. Like
I said, what a phony. I knocked on the door of the office. The man inside said,
“Hmm! Come in!” He always says, “Hmm!” before he speaks, like something was
stuck in his throat.
“What is wrong with you!” The headmaster just started yelling, the moment I
stepped in. They teach me about context in English class, but I guess he miss
that class when he was young.
“Hmm! Do you know why you are called here today?” he said.
“Not good enough grade for this school, I guess?” I answered.
“Hmm! The school you are attending to is the most prestigious school in the
country. We have the highest acceptance rate to Seoul University…” He started
to do what he always does on Monday morning. Blab on about how this school is
the best and how much the University likes the school. I don’t know what is up
with these goddam universities to adults. These phony people act like it is a
panacea for everything in life.
When the headmaster seemed done with his speech, I replied, “So, what are
you going to do about me?” The headmaster’s head started to turn real red. It
was quite interesting. It was like a tomato getting ripped.
“You are out! Get out of the school!” He must have been in hurry to say
that, because he forgot his “Hmm!” I
just numbly walked out of the office. The decision didn’t really bother me.
KMLA is the phoniest place I’ve been to, filled with goddam know-it-all. I
guess I should start to say goodbye to people around. Maybe I’ll start with my
former history teacher, Mr. Ganse.
