Contents
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Overview
Holden hangs around the bathroom as Stradlater shaves and guilts him into writing a descriptive English composition. When Stradlater reveals his date is Jane Gallagher, Holden grows excited and protective, recalling intimate details from their past. After Stradlater leaves wearing Holden’s jacket, Holden anxiously obsesses over Jane until Ackley’s return distracts him.
Summary
Holden idles in the steamy bathroom while Ward Stradlater shaves, fidgets with the faucets, and jokes around. Stradlater asks a favor: write his English composition, but not too well, claiming commas are his only weakness. Holden notes Stradlater’s vanity and “secret slob” habits, resenting the request yet staying engaged.
Horsing around, Holden tap-dances and wrestles Stradlater, then learns Stradlater’s date is Jane Gallagher—someone Holden knew closely. Shocked and excited, Holden floods Stradlater with memories: Jane’s dancing, their checker games where she kept her kings in the back row, and her difficult home life with a lecherous stepfather.
Holden debates going to say hello to Jane but hesitates, saying he’s not in the mood. He asks Stradlater not to mention his expulsion and to give her his regards, doubting he will. Stradlater finishes dressing, borrows Holden’s hound’s-tooth jacket, and heads out, indifferent to Holden’s anxieties.
Left alone, Holden fixates on Jane and grows increasingly nervous about Stradlater’s intentions, given Stradlater’s reputation. Ackley barges back in, grousing about other students and fussing with a pimple, which, to Holden’s relief, distracts him from his spiraling thoughts until dinnertime.
Who Appears
- Holden CaulfieldNarrator; lingers with Stradlater, is asked to write a composition, fixates protectively on Jane Gallagher, grows anxious.
- Ward StradlaterHolden’s conceited, “secret slob” roommate; pressures Holden for an essay and goes on a date with Jane.
- Jane GallagherHolden’s old neighbor and crush; subject of Stradlater’s date, prompting Holden’s affectionate memories and concern.
- AckleyHolden’s intrusive neighbor; returns later, complaining and picking at a pimple, unintentionally distracting Holden.