Chapter 3 Summary

Holden starts the chapter by saying he is the "most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It's awful." He says he lies about even simple things and that he lied to Mr. Spencer when he told him that he had to go the gym. Instead, Holden is on his way to his room in the Ossenburger Memorial Wing of the new dormitories. Mr. Ossenburger is an alumnus who donated a lot of money to Pencey after becoming rich in the undertaking business. Holden recalls a speech Ossenburger gave to the students. Holden thinks Ossenburger is a phony and his speech was way too long. Ossenburger told the students to get on their knees and pray when they are in trouble, which is something that Holden scoffs at. Holden thinks that the only good part of the speech was when one of...