6

Stradlater returns from his date with Jane without offering details, which heightens Holden’s anxiety and suspicion. When Stradlater asks about the assigned composition, he discovers Holden wrote it about Allie’s baseball mitt, not a room, and angrily criticizes him. In response, Holden tears up the paper and smokes to needle Stradlater, who refuses to discuss Jane.

Holden presses for information about the date and whether Stradlater gave Jane “the time,” especially after learning they used Coach Ed Banky’s car. Stradlater dodges, turning playful, which further provokes Holden’s jealousy and protectiveness toward Jane.

Holden suddenly throws a punch, aiming at Stradlater’s toothbrush, but barely grazes him due to his weak right hand. Stradlater pins Holden, warns him to stop, and when Holden keeps taunting him as a “moron,” Stradlater hits him hard, leaving Holden on the floor with a bloody nose.

After Stradlater leaves for the bathroom, Holden studies his bloodied face in the mirror, feeling both scared and fascinated, then puts on his red hunting hat. Seeking distraction or company, he heads through the shower curtains into Ackley’s room, assuming the commotion woke him.