Chapter 19 Summary

Holden meets Carl at the Wicker Bar. Holden is glad to see Carl, but the feeling is not mutual. Carl is offended by Holden's questions about his sex life. He calls Holden immature and Holden agrees with him. Holden is fascinated to learn that Carl is dating a Chinese woman in her late thirties. He continues to ask Carl personal questions about their relationship until Carl refuses to talk to him any longer. Carl tells Holden that he needs to go to a psychoanalyst. He gets up to leave and Holden begs him to stay, saying that he is lonely, but Carl insists on leaving.

Chapter 19 Analysis

The conversation between Holden and Carl is short, but it is significant in that it answers questions about Holden's state of mind. Holden and Carl have obviously discussed Holden's mental instability in the past, which tells...