Chapter 6

At the start of this chapter, Holden says, "Somethings are hard to remember". He is sitting in his room waiting for Stradlater to get back from his date with Jane, Holden is nervous. Stradlater finally arrives and reads Holden's composition while undressing. Stradlater hates it, so Holden tears it up and puts it in the bin, they don't talk "for a long time". Holden lights up a cigarette, which he informs us is something Stradlater hates. It's against the rules, and Stradlater never breaks any rules. Finally, Stradlatertells us he didn't go anywhere with Jane – they just hung out in Ed Banky's car, (he's the basketball coach, Stradlater is "one of his pet"). Holden asks outright: "What'd you do? Give her the time in Ed Banky's goddamn car?". Again, Stradlater refuses to answer. Holden flips out and tries to hit him. Stradlater pins him down, demanding to know what's wrong with him. Holden keeps insulting him. It's clear that Stradlater doesn't want to hurt him, once Stradlater finally lets him go, Holden calls him a "dirty stupid sonuvabitch of a moron." Stradlater smacks Holden, giving him a nasty nose bleed. He goes to the mirror, Holden thinks he looks tough, and remarks that he's only ever been in about two fights in his life, and lost both. He then goes to Ackley's room.