Examples Of Depression In Catcher In The Rye

Depression. Alienation. Loneliness. Depression sets off a chain reaction of alienation and loneliness that causes people to make bad decisions. In the book, Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger explores the topic of mental health. The main character, Holden Caulfield, tells a story about the decisions he made at a certain point of his life. Throughout the book, Holden shows many signs of depression, alienation and loneliness. He acts out differently and always feels hatred for the world. The state of his mental health stopped him from making smart decisions but he also alienated himself which then caused his loneliness. Holden Caulfield went through a chain reaction of depression throughout the book which provoked a bad mental health

Justin Kestler says, “In short, alienation both protects and harms Holden. It protects him by ensuring that he will not ever have to form connections with other people that might wind up causing awkwardness, rejection, or the sort of intense emotional pain he felt when Allie died.” (Kestler, Justin). His cycle starts off with the depression and hatred for the world and the people who live in it. Holden then alienates himself from everyone which affects his idea of running away to New York to avoid any connections with people or feelings. In New York, he experiences the feeling of being alone so he tries to contact people or go to places to interact. Lastly, Holden causes a big scene with the person he’s with to alienate himself and it starts all over again. Holden is scared of interacting with people so he insults them and makes who ever he’s with angry. So he alienates himself, gets lonely, depressed, then angry, and then alienates himself again which is a cycle of self destruction (Kestler,

A character who really affected him was Phoebe, his younger sister and one of the few people he absolutely loved. Phoebe would notice the craziness of Holden but supported him and tried to wake him up. Using the litchart it states, “Phoebe thinks Holden is acting crazily, but doesn't judge. She supports him. She isn't phony. Holden handing over his hunting hat is symbolic: he's trying to protect his sister, and giving up protection for himself.” (Kestler, Justin). Phoebe was the one person who supported Holden to the point where she wanted to leave with him when Holden was planning to go out West. Another person who affected Holden was Mr. Antolini. In the book, Mr. Antolini says, “I have a feeling that you’re riding for some kind of a terrible, terrible fall. But I don’t honestly know what kind . . . Are you listening to me?” (Salinger, J. D., 109). At this time, Holden was over Mr. Antolini’s house at very late hours but Mr. Antolini wanted him over when Holden called. This quote shows that Mr. Antolini wants Holden to wake up to reality and save himself before he takes a “fall”. Holden had high respects for Mr. Antolini but while they talked Holden was in and out of the conversation because he did not feel well. Once Holden fell asleep, he woke up to Mr. Antolini petting his head so he rushed out the house thinking