Shayan

Chapter 4: Summary and Analysis
SUMMARY
The chapter begins as Holden accompanies Stradlater to the can and they converse while Stradlater shaves himself in preparation for a date. Holden then enters a mental soliloquy in which he compares Stradlater’s unhygienic personal habits with those of Ackley, concluding that Stradlater is more of a “secret slob” (pg23). Holden’s mind then directs itself towards criticising Stradlater’s obsession with his physical appearance. His thoughts are interrupted by Stradlater who asks if Holden can write a composition for him. Holden doesn’t give a definitive response, instead he inquires about the subject matter of the composition. Stradlater’s responds by saying “anything descriptive” (pg23), “just don’t stick all the commas and stuff in the right place”(pg23). This response provokes, within Holden, another mental comparison between Stradlater and Ackley, who both view things superficially. Holden then begins to tap dance but is soon hindered by his lack of breathe. He introduces his red hunting hat to Stradlater and they enter another conversation regarding Stradlater’s date. Holden suddenly feels the urge to wrestle Stradlater and he immediately concedes to it, however, he is easily overpowered. The two then resume their previous conversation and Stradlater reveals that his date is Jane Gallagher. Holden is shocked by the revelation and he enters a frenzied state in which he bombards Stradlater with details of Jane and his experiences with her. Stradlater ignores most of the details, but shows interest in one of the more sexual details. Holden’s mind becomes dominated by thoughts of Jane and the threat that Stradlater poses to her innocence. Holden’s thoughts become more frantic as Stradlater leaves but he is soon conveniently distracted by Ackley’s entrance.
ANALYSIS
This chapter relate to the concept of the individual and society by reiterating the values of society that Holden does not conform to and is alienated by. He groups Stradlater and Ackley together by criticising their simplified and superficial view of things. Stradlater says “don’t stick all the commas and stuff in the right place” which conveys his superficial understanding that good writing is defined by correct grammar. Meanwhile, Ackley explains a basketballer’s talent with “Coyle had a perfect build for basketball” (pg25). This again, conveys a superficial view of a subject. Holden replies to these views with “God, how I hate that stuff” (pg25) and by grouping Stradlater and Ackley together through something he detests, he alienates himself from both.
Holden’s wrestle with Stradlater is also a metaphor for his struggle with society. Stradlater, who easily overpowers Holden, symbolises society. This metaphor helps emphasise a non-conforming individual’s struggle against a society which has more power to enforce its intentions.
Holden also describes Jane Gallagher “She wouldn’t move any of her kings” (pg27), “She’d get them all line up in the back row” (pg27) this is a metaphor for innocence as it suggests a need to be protected because once a king is out on the field there is a risk of it being taken. Jane requires protection from corruption in the form of sexual contact. Jane’s innocence is further espoused when Holden says “she just liked the way they looked” (pg27). This conveys Jane’s innocence through her childish admiration for the appearance of something which is morally correct (i.e. celibacy).
The three aforementioned quotes are juxtaposed with the line “Stradlater didn’t say anything. That kind of stuff doesn’t interest most people” (pg27). This juxtaposition highlights the rift between Holden and society by contrasting Holden’s obvious interest with Jane’s kings (innocence) and “most people’s” (society’s) disinterest in the issue.
Holden is frenzied because he fears for Jane’s innocence as she might fall for (and conform to) Stradlater’s (who symbolises society) seduction the same way he was overpowered during his wrestle with Stradlatter.