Catcher in the Rye Chapter 3-4

In chapters 3-4, Holden's classmates are introduced for the first time, Ward Stradlater, his roommate, and Robert Ackley, his neighbor in the dorm. Robert Ackley, or Ackley, is immediately described as an obnoxious and overly invasive person. He comes into Holden's room and instead of politely taking a seat, he instead decided to walk around his room and touch and move all of Holden's personal belongings. Holden writes that it is very normal and Ackley would keep doing this until he gets Holden's attention. In contrast, Holden's roommate seems to be a very gentlemanly character who is both handsome and kind. Yet Holden describes him as phony because his true nature is a narcissistic playboy. For instance, while he was preparing for his date with Holden's childhood friend, in which Holden is not happy about, Stradlater asks Holden to write his composition in a tone that implies he should feel honored and happy for being asked to do so. Also, while Holden was describing his childhood friend, Stradlater seemed to not care whatsoever.

Although Robert Ackley seems to be an overall good guy, his social habits and hygiene could drive someone insane. Holden was somewhat able to stand him touching his belongings but could no longer tolerate Ackley cutting his nails on the ground. I think everyone can relate to this scene. Everyone has a major pet peeve that they absolutely can't stand such as fidgeting. In my case, there have been many times where someone's fidgeting has caused me to lose my temper and raise my voice at them. 

These 2 chapters held a lot of content relating to Holden's social life and his acquaintances. Along with Holden's character, Stradlater and Ackley's characters were also developed. The characters were developed through examples told through Holden's point of view. Ackley being described as a non-hygienic person was supported by Holden's experience when he was seen with dirty teeth and mashed potatoes while he was eating. Stradlater is described through comparison to Ackley and Holden's experiences as his roommate. Stradlater is a "secret slob" as Holden describes. He maintains an outwardly clean and nice appearance but his real attitude is arrogant with similar bad habits such as his dirty and old razor. J.D. Salinger introduces these characters next to each other in order to give the readers a sense of contrast and at the same time point out the similarities between them. While Ackley has a "snobby" character and Stradlater is a "humble" character, both of them represent the overall social attitude of Pencey Prep which is negative as described by Holden.

Why is Holden still friends with such characters? Doesn't he hate phonies?
I believe that Holden is still friends with Ackley and Stradlater because he understands that most people in Pencey Preparatory School are like them. He hates phonies but has no choice but to live with them and be able to make friends with them.

What is the significance of Holden repeatedly saying he should go greet to Jane Gallagher?
It is significant because it is the first time that he seemed genuinely interested in another person. Due to Holden's idea of everyone in Pencey Prep being a phoney, he wasn't interested in anyone other than himself. This shows that Holden has a much deeper character that hasn't been revealed yet.

I predict in the next few chapters Stradlater would have returned with his date and Holden would react strongly. I say this because Stradlater seems to be a playboy who has had many experiences with other girls.

This picture displays the feelings that Holden has for his school. He feels that while everyone else feels one way, he's different and can see how fake they are.