If so, does he keep falling or does he “hit” bottom and begin to climb? How is the theme of “falling” played out in the novel?
Holden definitely experiences the fall predicted by Mr. Antolini. Once ensconced in the sanitarium, we see a glimmer of hope for Holden, but we're never apprised of the outcome. Hopefully, a new year (Holden was institutionalized during the Christmas holiday), will be a new beginning.
The theme of falling is a metaphor. Holden is the initial "catcher" and protector. Unfortunately, there's no one around to catch him.
