Chapter 15

It is a Sunday morning, and Holden is hungry when he wakes up. He decides not to call the lobby for some food, fearing that Maurice might be sent to deliver it. He thinks of calling Jane, but calls Sally instead. He suggests that they go to a show in the afternoon, and she agrees. When they meet, Sally, much to Holden’s annoyance, tells him about the many boys who are in love with her.

Holden leaves Edmont and checks in his luggage at the Grand Central Station. He then has a hearty breakfast and meets a group of nuns. When he finds out that one of the nuns is an English teacher, he discusses the play Romeo and Juliet with her. He tells her that he has just read the play and that he sympathizes with Mercutio. He feels that Mercutio died for no fault of his own.

He also tells the nun that Romeo and Juliet were not really prudent and that they had an untenable concept of romantic love. He adds that Romeo and Juliet might have been responsible for their own misfortune. Holden seems to like the nuns and donates ten dollars. When they ask him if he can afford it, he says he can because his father is rich and that he does not really have to worry about money. The nuns are about to leave when Holden, who is smoking, accidentally blows smoke in their faces. Though they are not offended, Holden feels embarrassed. Holden’s interaction with the nuns shows that he is capable of having decent, respectful conversations if he is not repelled by the person he is talking to.