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Holden's Depression In The Catcher In The Rye

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The classic novel, The Catcher in the Rye, follows a teenage boy with odd behaviors he seems to possess. Living during a time period of thriving and booming industries the teenage boy, Holden Caulfield has a difficult time fitting in within his society. As seen throughout the novel Holden lacks interest in various activities. Living in a world of “phonies”, he believes, makes him distance himself from others. He tries to associate with others, but he finds himself setting the thought of it aside, or just not enjoying the company of that person. When examining the novel further Holden’s deep-rooted problems can be seen. Throughout the novel it is evident that Holden suffers from depression that affects his way of thinking and living a life …show more content…

Throughout the novel Holden expresses his feeling of deep sadness to the reader. Holden’s sadness is being triggered by small incidents that occur in his daily life. Holden’s inability to function within his society without feeling a rush of deep sadness shows that he is emotionally damaged. For example, when Holden went to the bar for a drink he was disgusted by the audience clapping for the excellent piano player that he believed was phony, he states, “I partly blame all these dopes that clap their heads off--they’d foul up anybody, if you gave them a chance. Anyway, it made me feel depressed and lousy again, and I damn near got my coat back and went back to the hotel, but it was too early and I didn’t feel much like being alone,” (Salinger 95). The way Holden overreacts about the crowd clapping to the point where he gets depressed it shows his suffering of psychological problems. The depression that he suffers from affects his thoughts and the emotional feelings he suffers from are not normal adolescent emotional behaviors. Holden finds himself drinking away his pain, or attempts to over the smallest incidents that occur in his life. Several times throughout the novel, his thoughts get too much for him he wishes he was dead. The unhealthy thoughts of this adolescent boy indicates that his thoughts are being influenced by his

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Holden had to cope with big changes without the support of anyone. Adjusting to a new way of life is difficult on its own, but without anybody being there to teach and support him, it becomes increasingly more problematic. As he is reflecting on his life he states, "If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, an what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me," (3). He felt like he couldn’t talk about his life to anyone and open up because the people who are supposed to be there to love and support you were absent for him. Holden thought that he did not belong, he says, “how my parents were occupied”, they were never able to give him support so he considered himself to be all alone.

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These few lines from the book are a clear indication of Holdens loneliness. Holden didnt have a good explanation as to why he started crying out of blue, only to say himself that he was depressed and

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In the novel “The Catcher in the Rye”, the protagonist Holden Caulfield demonstrates his unusual behaviour. The narrator introduces the story of an emotionally damaged teenager whose suspicions and personal issues prevent him from being “normal” in a society full of phonies that he does not seem to get along with. It becomes clear that Holden has clouded judgement as he rides an emotional rollercoaster of mood swings with the people he likes, and dislikes. Therefore, it becomes obvious that some of his personal flaws include his distrust, depression, and unreasonable attitudes and thoughts are based on his underlying emotional problems. Holden Caulfield has a variety psychological problems, such as his skepticism, depressive behaviour, and

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Holden exhibits many of the physical symptoms of depression, such as changes in appetite, unexplained physical problems, and increased consumption of alcohol (Mayo Clinic). By the end of the novel, Holden experienced a complete nervous breakdown and displays many of the symptoms of depression. Once in the novel Holden mentions his thin physique while at a diner. He says, “I’m a very light eater… That’s why I’m so damn skinny,” (Salinger 120).

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In the novel The Catcher in The Rye by J.D Salinger the central character Holden Caulfield portrays some very concerning behavior. At only sixteen years old, Holden has experienced many adult like situations. After readers finish this book, it is clear to all that Holden suffers a form of Depression. Depression is defined as a condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal;sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason. Always being surrounded by phonies, loss of a sibling and extreme loneliness are factors that lead Holden Caulfield down the deep dark tunnel that is depression.

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Due to his tragic experiences he experiences, Holden Caulfield primarily struggles with depression in J.D Salinger’s novel. Although Holden experiences several states of depression in the novel, he turns to his dead brother as a meaningful presence during his depressive state. Due to his feeling of disappointment and sadness, Holden refuses to acknowledge and live up to people’s expectations. Holden’s terrifying fear of becoming a phony adult causes his alienation from his family and society. Alienation occurs as a response to tragic situations in an individual's life and results in loneliness.

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Although Holden is a fictional character, many of the symptoms he displays during his journey are real and affect real life teens. Teen depression is a serious mental health problem. One of the possible dangers is the probability that it's not temporary and may affect the teen in a

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Holden has a very different way of showing his depression in the novel. His depression is present when he tries to keep his innocence and stray away from adult hood all while trying to keep his relationship with his brother Allie. Holden wants to be the “catcher in the rye “. He wants to be that person who catches those kids who are falling off the cliff into adulthood. Holden wants to protect those who are close to him and those that he loves.

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Holden’s depression directly relates to his family, specifically his brother, Allie. “I slept in the garage the night he dies, and I broke all the goddam windows with my fist…” (Salinger 39). Holden experiences much pain when his brother dies, leaving him constantly wondering about him and what might happen to him. From a general perspective, Holden would seem in need of psychoanalysis, however, death is never easy to cope with, especially at his age.

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In the novel, The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield goes through many different phases throughout the book. He had many adulthood situations and many childhood situations. Holden was the not very happy to see what was written on the museum wall. Holden rented a hotel to help from letting his parents know what happen. Holden went to the lake to get his mind in the right place.

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Holden struggles with growing up and facing reality. There are many examples of Holden’s immaturity that are displayed in many forms such as facing responsibilities, his speech, his actions, and etc. Holden’s outlook on adult life is that it is superficial and brimming with phonies, but childhood was all about looking pleasing and innocent. He wants everything to stay the same and for time to stop. As Holden progresses in age, he will discover more about becoming mature in the

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Boy gone crazy or depressed? Holden is in a deep depression but, does he stay depressed or go crazy? After Holden’s brother (Allie) dies he gets very depressed. Holden wasn 't even able to attend the funeral.

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He has trouble growing up and accepting life as it is. Holden thinks adults are "phony" which makes him hate the fact of growing up and staying innocent as much as he can while he is old enough to become an adult. He is frustrated with the world and people which makes him act with anger. His innocent childish dream is to be the Catcher in the Rye, to catch the kids before they become phonies like Holden says about adults. The moment he realizes that he cannot keep kids from falling or in other words, from growing up and becoming adults, he, reaches adulthood, and takes a big step towards it at the end of the novel.

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