Catcher in the Rye (Depression in Holden)

A detailed Summary of Catcher in the Rye (Depression in Holden)


The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, portrays Holden Cawfield a New York City teenager in the 1950's as a manic-depressive. Holden's depression starts with the death of his brother, Allie . Holden is expelled from numerous schools due to his poor academics which are brought on by his depression. Manic depression, compulsive lying, and immaturity throughout the novel characterize Holden.

Events in Holden's life lead him to become depressed. Holden's depression centers on Allie. The manner that Holden sees himself and how he sees others leads him to be expelled from school. The speaker expresses, "One thing about packing depressed me a little," (51). Holden expresses these feelings when he packs his bags after being notified that he is expelled. Holden leaves school and heads for New York City, where he finds himself to be more lonely and depressed than ever. He is all alone and he laments, "


Holden is also a very immature person. He becomes very jealous and he pretends that recess is everywhere. Holden shows his jealousy when he finds out that his roommate is dating Jane Gallagher. Jane is Holden's next door neighboor. He confessed," I could hardly keep my voice from shaking all over the place. Boy, was I getting nervous" (42). Holden expresses these feelings to the reader while he is talking to Stradlater about Jane. The jealousy and immaturity of Holden leads them into a fight. Holden is also immature in the relationships that he has with females. He explains the cab ride to the theater with Sally, " We horsed around a little bit in the cab on the way over to the theater. At first she didn't want to, because she had her lipstick on and all, but I was being seductive as hell and she didn't have any alternative"(125). He continues to tell her how much he loved her and then he regrets s

Some common words found in the essay are:
Stradlater Jane, Holden Holden, York City, Events Holden's, Allie Holden, Jane Holden's, York Holden, holden expresses, holden's depression, compulsive lying, JD Salinger, york city, holden expresses feelings, expelled school, expresses feelings, depression compulsive, depression compulsive lying, holden immature,

Approximate Word count = 609
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Novels

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