Why does Holden become nervous about Stradlater going out with Jane Gallagher?

• A. Jane is Stradlater's cousin.
• B. Jane is Holden's sister.
• C. Jane hates Stradlater.
• D. Jane might be Stradlater's first love and he could try to make a move.

Answer: (D)

Holden’s nervousness comes from his protective feelings for Jane and his fear that she could be drawn into something intimate with Stradlater. Jane is someone Holden cares about and sees as vulnerable, while Stradlater has a confident, older-going-on-flirtatious attitude. The worry is that Stradlater might pursue Jane romantically and try to make a move, which would put Jane in a situation Holden doesn’t want her to be in and could complicate things he hasn’t prepared to face. This explains why the idea that Jane might be Stradlater’s first love and that he could try to make a move is the best fit. It isn’t about Jane being a relative or about Jane hating Stradlater; it’s about the risk of a romantic or sexual advance from Stradlater and Holden’s desire to protect Jane.