“What I really felt like, though, was committing suicide.” (Salinger 136). The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger follows 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, who faces anxiety after getting kicked out of school. Whether it's his manner of speech or the way he responds to situations, it's clear his struggles include depression and suicidal ideation, rooted in his brother's death and his inability to cope with grief healthily. His three-day journey through New York reveals his inner struggles. Salinger's masterful prose invites readers to witness Holden's innermost struggles, highlighting the complexities of mental illness and the transformative power of healing. Holden's depression is caused by the death of his beloved younger brother, Allie. Holdens lack of closure is …show more content…
As a way to cope, Holden plays an alternate version of the story in his mind where he instead says “Okay”. Go home and get your bike and meet me in front of Bobby’s house. Hurry up.” (Salinger 129). Despite this happening years ago, Holden is ridden with guilt. Holden thinks back to when Allie died and mentions he smashed all the windows in the garage, presumably as a way to cope. This shows Holden copes with loss in an unhealthy way, which further worsens his mental state. Salinger portrays Holden's inner turmoil, highlighting the damaging impact of unprocessed grief on his mental state. The story highlights the consequences of unresolved loss and the search for relief. Holden’s depression is noticeable through his thoughts. When Holden was talking about the war, he reveals “I’m sort of glad they’ve got the atomic bomb invented. If there’s ever another war, I’m going to sit right the hell on top of it. I’ll volunteer for it, I swear to God I will.” (Salinger 183). Since losing Allie, Holden has shown depressive behavior since the beginning of the novel. Holden’s willingness to be subjected to war shows his self-loathing and his belief he is unworthy of