Chapter 4-6
How does Holden describe Allie?
50 times more intelligent than Holden; nicest, never got mad, sweet, innocent child with bright red hair
Why does Stradlater beat up Holden?
Because Holden kept calling Stradlater a moron and other names. Holden wouldn't shut up when Stradlater warned him because Holden was upset by what Stradlater said about his brother and the composition
Why is Holden so interested in and worried about Stradlater's date?
Because he likes Jane and he knows that Stradlater is sexy and will put the moves on Jane
Why is Holden protective of children and innocence?
Because of his feelings for Allie whom he couldn't defend from death.
How does Holden horse around in the bathroom?
He imitates a movie style tap dance then begins to play wrestle with him by holding him in a half nelson
What does Holden write about for Stradlater's composition?
His brother, Allie's left handed baseball glove that had poems written on it so that when he was bored in the outfield, he had something to look at
Why do you think Holden destroys the composition instead of rewriting it or just keeping it for himself?
Holden is enraged when Stradlater criticizes his composition because it is about his brother Allie's glove. It is extremely painful subject for him and the incident causes him to lash out. He feels the need to destroy the work rather than have it casually dismissed by someone he already said was dense about writing, so he rips it up.
Why do you think Holden hangs out with Ackley even though he seems to dislike him?
Holden is lonely and wants to be around people even though they're not people that he particularly likes. He's willing to look the other way in order to get along with people plus we know that his other classmates are upset with him after the fencing incident.
How does Holden view Jane in comparison to Stradlater?
Holden shows his devotion to innocence since he sees Jane as sensitive and imaginative who transcends the cruelty of life. Stradlater sees Jane as just another potential score.
What does Holden want Stradlater to ask his date?
If she still keeps her kings in the back row
Who is Stradlater's date for that night?
Jane Gallagher
What do Holden, Brossard, and Ackley do after dinner?
Played pinball and had burgers
What comparison does Holden make between Ackley and Stradlater?
They are both slobs; Ackley is messy and Stradlater is secret slob Ackley is an ugly, visible slob with bad teeth, Holden notices that the attractive Stradlater is a well groomed secret slob with filthy toiletries and razor.
What favor does Stradlater ask of Holden?
To write an descriptive English composition for him about a room or a house for him
Do you think Holden will do what Stradlater asks? Why doesn't he just say "yes"? Why does he agree?
Yes but he wants Stradlater to worry a little about it and is a good person so he agrees to do it. Holden will probably write it because he asks for details about the assignment. He doesn't say yes directly because he doesn't want to write it for him. Also he tells the reader he's not excited to find out abut this favor and that guys like Stradlater always think people want to do things for them. He doesn't like being told what to do but he tend to try to please people anyway.