Chapter 6

Holden finishes writing the essay and sits by the window. He finds himself thinking about what Stradlater and Jane might be doing on their date. Stradlater soon returns and appears to be in a rather foul mood. When Stradlater notices that Holden’s essay is not about a room, he tells Holden that he has the habit of doing exactly the opposite of whatever is required. Holden snatches the paper from him and tears it up, and asks Stradlater about his date. Stradlater’s reply is curt. He tells Holden that they were in a car, and does not offer any further details. Holden, however, assumes the worst and loses his temper. He hits Stradlater in the face, but is soon overpowered by the bigger and stronger Stradlater. Even while being pinned to the ground, Holden continues to lash out at Stradlater, calling him a moron. He is undeterred even when Stradlater hits him in the face, a blow strong enough to make Holden’s face bleed. Finally, Stradlater relents and departs, and Holden goes to Ackley’s room, although it is something he detests doing.