Chapter 4

Questions The Catcher in the Rye Chapter 4

1)    Describe the relationship between Holden and Stradlater.  Are they friends?  Why or why not?  Refer to specific actions the characters take or things they say to one another in the text.

Holden and Stradlater are a strange kind of friends because, they are friends, but they (or at least Holden) knows many bad things about him and criticizes him. For example, Holden says that Stradlater is conceited, because Stradlater thinks that "He is the handsomest guy". Holden also says that he has good things like when he says "You don't have to explain every goddam thing to him"

2)    How does Holden feel about Jane Gallagher?  What actions or remarks demonstrate his attitude toward her?

Holden only says that he was a good friend of her but he may like her because when Stradlater said that she was dating her and that she was very near, Holden got very excited about going to see her again after a good time. Also, he wants to keep a good a image for her. This can be seen when Holden says "Dont tell her (Jane) that I got expelled" to Stradlater

3)    What is the reason Holden gives for not going downstairs and saying hello to Jane?  In your opinion, is this the real reason?  Why or why not?

Holden gave the reason that he was not in the right mood to go and see her after many years, but I think that that's not the real reason. I think that he liked her and he wanted to be more prepared before seeing her.