The Catcher in the Rye

by

J. D. Salinger

Ward Stradlater Character Analysis

Stradlater is Holden’s roommate at Pencey Prep. A popular and good-looking young man, Stradlater is confident but kind. Although Holden recognizes that his roommate is rather conceited, he also knows that Stradlater is the sort of person who would give another student his own tie if that student complimented it. Holden’s neighbor, Ackley, on the other hand, can’t stand Stradlater because he thinks he’s a pompous jerk. And though Holden disagrees at first, he can’t help but see Ackley’s point when he learns that Stradlater is going on a date with Jane Gallagher. Beside himself, Holden talks at length about Jane as Stradlater prepares for the date, but Stradlater doesn’t seem to care about any of the quirky little details Holden mentions about Jane’s personality. Rather, Holden can sense that Stradlater is only interested in having sex with Jane—an idea that sets Holden on edge. When Stradlater returns from his date and refuses to tell Holden everything that happened, Holden picks a fight with him. Because Stradlater is much bigger, he easily wins, though this doesn’t stop Holden from persisting in calling him a “moron.” It is this fight that finally inspires Holden to leave Pencey once and for all, setting off for New York City in the middle of the night.

Ward Stradlater Quotes in The Catcher in the Rye

The The Catcher in the Rye quotes below are all either spoken by Ward Stradlater or refer to Ward Stradlater. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Phoniness Theme Icon
).
Chapter 7 Quotes

When I was all set to go, when I had my bags and all, I stood for a while next to the stairs and took a last look down the goddam corridor. I was sort of crying. I don’t know why. I put my red hunting hat on, and turned the peak around to the back, the way I liked it, and then I yelled at the top of my goddam voice, "Sleep tight, ya morons!" I’ll bet I woke up every bastard on the whole floor. Then I got the hell out.

Related Characters: Holden Caulfield (speaker), Ward Stradlater
Related Symbols: Holden’s Red Hunting Hat
Page Number: 68
Explanation and Analysis:
Get the entire The Catcher in the Rye LitChart as a printable PDF.
The Catcher in the Rye PDF

Ward Stradlater Quotes in The Catcher in the Rye

The The Catcher in the Rye quotes below are all either spoken by Ward Stradlater or refer to Ward Stradlater. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Phoniness Theme Icon
).
Chapter 7 Quotes

When I was all set to go, when I had my bags and all, I stood for a while next to the stairs and took a last look down the goddam corridor. I was sort of crying. I don’t know why. I put my red hunting hat on, and turned the peak around to the back, the way I liked it, and then I yelled at the top of my goddam voice, "Sleep tight, ya morons!" I’ll bet I woke up every bastard on the whole floor. Then I got the hell out.

Related Characters: Holden Caulfield (speaker), Ward Stradlater
Related Symbols: Holden’s Red Hunting Hat
Page Number: 68
Explanation and Analysis: