Holden thinks the people clapping for Ernie are morons because he believes they are only applauding to show off and seem sophisticated, rather than genuinely appreciating the music. He dislikes superficiality and lacks genuine appreciation for things.
Holden criticizes Ernie's arrogance and self-importance, describing him as "a phony." Holden believes Ernie puts on airs and acts superior to others, making Holden see him as insincere and pretentious.
In Chapter 11 of "The Catcher in the Rye," Ernie the piano player performs at a night club in a showy and self-indulgent way, which seems inauthentic to Holden. Holden believes Ernie is putting on a false front to impress others, which reinforces Holden's cynical view of people being phony.
Holden unexpectedly met an old girlfriend of his brother D.B. who was there with a naval officer. She invited Holden to their table, but Holden, who didn't like her, said he had to "meet someone". He then had no choice but to leave.
Ernie is a New York musician who has his own club, which Holden stops at for a bit. Holden describes Ernie as "this big, fat colored guy who plays the piano", but mostly talks about all the "phonies" who flock to see him.
Holden criticizes Ernie's pretentiousness and insincerity. He feels that Ernie, who runs a piano bar, puts on an act and is overly proud of his talent, which Holden finds phony. This superficiality further alienates Holden, who values authenticity and genuine human connection.
he's lonely
Holden left Ernie's after Lillian Simmons, a girl he used to date, came over and wanted to dance with him. Feeling uncomfortable and wanting to avoid any conflict, Holden left Ernie's to avoid dancing with her.
Holden characterizes the patrons at Ernie's as pretentious and phony. He believes they are there to show off and impress others, rather than genuinely enjoy the music or atmosphere. He criticizes their behavior as insincere and superficial.
The 39 step
In J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," Holden Caulfield feels increasingly lonely while listening to Ernie play piano because Ernie's talent highlights Holden's sense of alienation and disconnection from the world. The beauty of the music contrasts sharply with Holden's emotional turmoil and feelings of inadequacy, intensifying his loneliness. Instead of bringing him joy, the performance serves as a reminder of the connections he lacks and the isolation he experiences in his life. This moment deepens Holden's introspection and despair, making him feel even more isolated.
Horwitz is a cab driver in "The Catcher in the Rye" who drives Holden Caulfield to Ernie's nightclub. He appears in the novel for a short amount of time, but his conversation with Holden sheds light on Holden's state of mind and his feelings of alienation and disconnection with the world around him.
he got a prostitute but did not pay her right and got in trouble with the pimp