Student Question
Could Stradlater have been eating peanuts to give the illusion of his conquests, as suggested by the peanut shells when Holden leaves the dorm in The Catcher in the Rye?
Quick answer:
Stradlater's behavior in "The Catcher in the Rye" suggests insecurity and a need to boast about his romantic conquests, which may be exaggerated. The presence of peanut shells when Holden leaves the dorm could symbolize Stradlater's attempts to enhance his image, reflecting his possible lack of real success. Salinger's inclusion of this detail supports the idea that Stradlater's bravado is more about perception than reality.
Stradlater does come across as being a 'phony'; his need to brag about his conquests seems like insecurity and low self-esteem, like he has to talk up his prowess to his roommate to make it more real feeling to himself. The peanuts are a marvelous detail that Salinger included, and I agree with your interpretation. Stradlater's only "success" may have been with the peanuts.
You have observed what many teachers hope their students will discover--respected authors don’t add details to a story just for the fun of it. Most of it is written to “show” in greater detail what the author wants us to figure out. You might be right about the situation with Stradlater and Jane. You certainly make a good argument.
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