The fight with Stradlater reveals which aspects of Holden's character?

• A. Indifference toward others and a calm demeanor
• B. Jealousy and protectiveness toward Jane, plus an impulsive, unstable side
• C. Respect for Stradlater's social confidence
• D. Preference for avoiding conflict altogether

Answer: (B)

This moment highlights Holden's tangled emotional world and how quickly his feelings can flare into action. He cares deeply about Jane Gallagher and wants to protect her, seeing Stradlater as a threat to Jane’s safety or integrity. That protectiveness fuels jealousy—Holden is furious that Jane might be used or hurt by someone he doesn’t trust—and when his anger boils over into a fight, it shows an impulsive, unstable side. He acts first out of emotion rather than through calm, measured reasoning, revealing how fragile his sense of control is when his core attachments feel challenged. This clash isn’t about liking Stradlater or avoiding conflict; it’s about Holden’s intense need to defend someone he loves and how that urgency can push him toward reckless, volatile behavior.