Chapter 4 Summary

Holden doesn't have anything to do, so he follows Stradlater into the bathroom as he shaves in preparation for his date. Holden notes that Stradlater looks neat, but he is actually a slob. Anyone can tell that Ackley is dirty, but Stradlater is a "secret slob." Holden thinks that Stradlater looks really good when he is finished getting ready because he is in love with himself, but his razor is always dirty and rusty. Holden decides that Stradlater is good looking in the type of way that would make him stand out in yearbook pictures. In person, other guys at Pencey may look better than Stradlater, but they are not as photogenic. While Holden is thinking about Stradlater's appearance, Stradlater asks Holden to do him a favor. He wants Holden to write an English paper for him. Holden thinks that the request is...