Holden's Mental Instability In Catcher In The Rye

Holden’s mental instability is reflected through his instability and restlessness. He cannot do one thing or stay in one place. One example of this is when Holden becomes tired of riding taxis, and it becomes something he can no longer do. In his mind, which is fragile and on the verge of shattering, he can no longer be in a taxi for whatever reason he thinks. The same goes for when he goes from school to school and is unable to stay in one for a long time. He also cannot stay in the same hotel for much time. Holden’s unstable actions are a reflection of his mind. This mindset is definitely linked to his depression. Most depressed patients cannot stay in a single place for too long because they get the feeling they are “rotting” in that place.

riding a taxi, going to school) are unable to be completed because Holden has no motivation to complete these actions. Holden is so blinded by his depression he can't even stay at home without being overwhelmed and feeling the urge to leave. This could also be him subconsciously trying to avoid making close and positive connections due to the fear of losing a loved one, like Allie. Also, Holden has noticeable low self-esteem so he may feel picked on or pointed out when being around people. Holden is rejected from nearly everyone he interacts with, so the safest idea to him is to isolate himself and not spend too much time in one place or doing the same thing because of his many fears. Unfortunately, its visible that his isolation does not help because he still reflects: “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everyone.” (Salinger,