The Catcher in the Rye Chapter 5-6: Holden and Stradlater

Stradlater vs. Holden Stradlater Holden Is emotional/ sensitive Lies to himself about his lack of feelings Does not have his emotions in check Honest to others but not himself. A smooth talker 'Good looking' kid Part of the 'in-crowd' An 'Athletic Bastard' Devoid of feeling

Holden Caulfield Holden is proud of his composition - the subject matter is important to him (Allie's mitt) Holden in on edge - he is anxious about Stradlaters date with Jane. Jane is significant to Holden - a childhood friend.

Ward Strandlater He returns from his date with Jane in a foul mood He does not like Holden's composition - he is acutely aware of the significance of the baseball mitt to Holden. He does not want to discuss his date with Jane with Holden.

Holden is on edge when Stradlater returns to his room Stradlater's unappreciative of Holden effort - leading to Holden destroying it and pushing him over the edge. Holden interrogates Stradlater but is unable to get a straight answer about his date - but more specifically whether or not they had sex.

Holden continues his interrogation to the point where they start a verbal fight. The fight escalate to a physical level - it is known by the reader that Holden will lose. The fight ends with Stradlater talking down to Holden and telling him to clean his bloody self up.

Key Points Holden values the subject matter of is composition, Allie's baseball mitt. Stradlater is aware of this as Holden keeps it with him at Pency. Holden is worked up over Stradlaters date with Jane. Jane is important to Holden. Holden tries to maintain the façade that he does not care, but this chapter shows that he does.

I probably was still looking out the window, but I swear I can't remember. I was so damn worried, that's why. When I really worry about something, I don't fool around. I even have to go to the bathroom when I worry about something. Only, I don't go. I'm too worried to go. I don't want to interrupt my worrying to go. " " - Holden

The hell he did, the bastard. 'What'd she day?' I said. 'Did you ask if she still keeps all here kings in the back row?' 'No, I didn't ask her. What the hell ya think we did all night - play checkers for Chrissake?' " " - Conversation between Holden and Stradlater

'What'd you do?' I said. 'Give her the time in Ed Banky's goddam car?' My voice was shaking something awful. 'What a thing to say. Want me to wash your mouth out with soap? 'Did you?' ' That's a professional secret, buddy' " " - Exchange between Holden and Stradlater

The Catcher in the Rye Chapter 5-6: Holden and Stradlater