The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 4.2: Caring Too Much While He Cares Too Little

The Catcher in the Rye Ch. 4.2 | Banned Books Comedy Podcast

Stradlater's date is Jane Gallagher—Holden's childhood friend and crush. Holden nearly drops dead when he hears her name. He remembers everything about her: she practiced ballet in the summer heat, played checkers keeping all her kings in the back row because she liked how they looked, had a bad childhood with an alcoholic stepfather. Stradlater barely knows her name, takes Holden's jacket, and leaves for the date. Holden sits there for half an hour afterward: "I nearly went crazy." Dan figured it out at the end: "Maybe that's why it's banned. They just don't like compassion."

Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter—we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.

Things To Listen For:

• Holden's excitement when he hears Jane's name: "Boy, I nearly dropped dead"
• The checkers detail: Jane kept all her kings in the back row because she liked how they looked
• Dan joking he's more like Stradlater: "Card always full, slathering on the Vitalis every Friday night"
• Jennifer: "Holden should be the one going on that date"
• Holden's protective instinct: "Don't tell her I got kicked out" and worrying about Jane with Stradlater

Why was The Catcher in the Rye banned? Dan nailed it this episode: it's about compassion. Holden knows Jane had a bad childhood. He's protective (not possessive, protective). He remembers the small things. He cares deeply. Teaching boys that caring too much and remembering everything about someone you care about is strength, not weakness? That's dangerous to people who need boys to perform toughness instead of showing real care.

If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).

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Disclaimer Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines.

The material used from the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.

This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to J.D. Salinger, his estate, or the publishers of The Catcher in the Rye. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.

Topics Covered: The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger, Chapter 4, Holden Caulfield, Jane Gallagher, Stradlater, Ackley, checkers, ballet, childhood crush, caring too much, compassion, protective instinct, Vitalis hair tonic, jealousy, coming of age, banned books, banned books podcast, book banning, censorship, literary analysis, comedy podcast