Antolini represents the loss of innocence in the adult, while remaining aware of it in others. Although it is a little unusual how Mr. Antolini acted towards Holden in one scene, Mr. Antolini and Holden have been friends for a while and seem to be close. They would play tennis, Mr. Antolini would hang out with Holden's family, it seems that Mr. Anolini cares a lot about Holden. “I think you're riding for this autumn: it's a special kind of autumn, a horrible kind” (Salinger 187). Here Mr. Antolini shows that he understands what Holden is holding on to, but wants him to know that it is not possible to hold him forever. He understands Holden on a personal and relatable level, so it seems. Mr. Antolini explains that Holden will "fall" or lose his innocence soon, and there is nothing that can be done to stop it. Holden constantly tries to escape the problems he has in his life instead of facing them because if he actually faces them, maybe he feels like they will take over him.