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Holden's Greatest Challenge

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Holden’s Greatest Challenge In a shocking article, Addictions, lack of motivation, and even suicide can be caused by depression. J.D. Salinger’s 1951 novel, The Catcher in the Rye, shows a sensitive, lonely 16-year old who has gone to New York and experiences many dilemmas between himself and other people. Depression is Holden’s greatest challenge because it affects his thinking and actions. Although some may think growing up is Holden’s greatest challenge, it is not since Holden’s daily life is filled with sadness. As a result, depression in Holden’s life heavily impacted his thinking for certain situations. When Holden goes to get a prostitute, Holden describes, “It was against my principles and all, but I was feeling so depressed …show more content…

Holden feels so depressed he “started talking, sort of out loud, to Allie” (110). This shows Holden’s mental state as he is trying to talk to his brother who has died. This is evidence of the impact of depression in his life and actions. Talking to a person who has passed away is abnormal for people. Despite that, depression causes this and has a hold on Holden. Furthermore, Holden couldn’t find anywhere to sleep and he “was more depressed than [he] ever was in [his] whole life” (214). The fact that Holden decided to sleep in the waiting room of a hotel and couldn’t sleep shows how depression is impacting him. It shows sadness is his greatest challenge because it changes his sleep and the places he wants to go to. Holden wrestles with depression throughout the whole novel and can’t get rid of …show more content…

Despite this, some could say growing up is his greatest challenge because he wants to constantly protect the ones who are still growing. Ackley ignores Holden, Holden states that he feels “so lonesome, all of a sudden” and wishes that he “was dead” (54). This shows depression is more effective in Holden’s life than growing up because it makes him feel lonesome and he has a lack of motivation. It is more impactful in Holden’s life than growing up because he constantly feels it. Even over happy and simple things, it can cause him to feel lonely and sad. Similarly, Holden gets scammed and says he feels like “ committing suicide. [He] felt like jumping out the window” (117). The worst possibility of depression is suicide. Holden has many thoughts, but suicide is one that is a problem. It shows the amount of depression that is present in Holden’s life. This proves that depression has a stronger hold over Holden’s life than the fear of growing up because he is having suicidal thoughts. Depression is the most impactful challenge for Holden because it affects his daily choices and thoughts that can change his life

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