Catcher In The Rye Character Analysis Essay

Holden’s roommate at Pencey Prep, Stradlater, is attractive and popular, but Holden calls him a “secret slob,” as he appears well-groomed, but his toilet articles are unknowingly unclean (Salinger 35, 36). Stradlater is quite experienced for a prep school student, which is why Holden also calls hims a “sexy bastard” (37). Stradlaters faults are hidden behind his good looks and charms. As Stradlater prepares to go on a date with Jane Gallagher, Holden goes through lengths to speak on her. Only leaving Stradlater uninterested. Holden mentions Jane’s stepfather always running around the house naked, which Stradlater replies, “Yeah?” as if the only thing he enjoys is gossip (37). When Holden speaks with Stradlater, he feels as if Stradlater is not interested in Jane as he only sees her as a more sexual asset. As Holden has feeling towards Jane, Stradlaters lack of respect for Holden is clear. Ackley, Holden’s neighbor in his dorm at Pencey Prep, is completely the opposite of Stradlater. Ackley was “a slob in his personal habits,” he was also pimply, nasty, and had a terrible dental hygiene (23). Ackley “hated Stradlater’s guts,” Holden agreed that both Ackley and Stradlater where immediate
Even though Jane Gallagher does not actually introduce herself in the Catcher in the Rye, she is very much significant to Holden. Jane was “different,” she was one whom Holden respected and finds beautiful (37). Jane was “the only one, outside the family…ever showed Allie’s baseball mitt…with all the poems written on it,” which shows Holden's bond in which he felt very comfortable sharing with Jane (37). Holden continuously contemplated if he would like to say hello, but “couldn’t get over” the fact that she was downstairs waiting on Stradlater, whom he thought wasn’t good for her (37). The time he does call Jane, she was not there. Again, failing to make