Psychological analysis-Holden
It's nothing new, that everybody feels depressed at some time or another in their lives. However, it becomes a problem when that depression is so much a part a person's life that person can no longer see the happiness right in front him. Holden Caulfield, in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, faces the same problem; he is a confused, negatively charged adolescent character in search of his identity and his place in the world. He suffers from manic depression, which stems from a desire not to grow up and a lack of closure in his brothers death, obviously death of his sibling is very depressing as we see that the relationships people share with siblings are often the longest lasting they will ever have (Crispell, 1992). But this all has led to an extreme lack of personal motivation, low self esteem and compulsive lying, his inability to self-reflect and his stubbornness to overlook the obvious that collectively resulted in him giving up on life before he ever really has a chance to get it started. Holden lacks the essential ability to motivate himself, which he needs to survive in the 'real' world. He does not see the importance of progress, maturity and responsibility, necessary attributes to a functional American dream.
J.D Salinger. Catcher in the Rye, 1951. So first of all Holden needs some basic advice for attitude change as this kind of depression can only be overcomed by looking for the positive side of life and the best is to fill the life with things you love to do such as hobbies, meeting friends, music and so on.... Apparently to be realistic about yourself, look at the glass as half full rather than half empty really helps. Shed the trappings of society except to be caring and friendly to others. Avoid situations that tend to be a "put down". Learn to "dress" for the occasion, dress meaning "when in Rome do as the Romans do" avoid conflict but if it is unavoidable meet it as a challenge and make a goal to correct it. What it boils down to is to try to treat everyone you see and know as the most important person around. Avoid people that are downers and have a habit of making unconstructive criticism, be yourself and if others don't accept you for who you are don't worry about it. In Short "don't sweat the small stuff, and the big stuff is small stuff". And always keep in mind life is like a roller coaster sometimes but you have to enjoy the ride! Houghton Mifflin. Houghton Mifflin Psychology, 1971 The examples of the previous symptoms are demonstrated in Caulfield's monologues thoughts and dialogue. The instances of his jumping from topic to topic, and his insight and ideas, have already been discussed. Holden comments on his "little need for sleep" often like after the clubs close he says, "I wasn't sleepy or anything." A great amount of irritation is shown toward Sally when she points out flaws in his plans of running away. He becomes belligerent and tells her, "you give me a royal pain in the ass." In the beginning he comments on his abundant supply of money, but by the end he is forced to borrow from his sister. He frequently pays for people's meals and drinks, donated money to nuns, and offered anyone a drink "on him". An example of his impaired decision-making was his plans to run away, pretend to be mute, and build a cabin in the woods. His cynicism is constant as he repeatedly generalizes everyone on the basis of dress, status, and looks. The thoughts of always getting a pukey cab and obscene words being everywhere are prime cases of paranoia. Then in his swing to depression, he comments on people making him depressed, his feelings of being "lousy," and once expressed thoughts of suicide. When he spoke of people coming to New York to get up early, he voiced his wish to jump out of the hotel window. Dr.Leland M. Heller. Biological Unhappiness, August 1999 And after all this he should really go in for some psychological diagnosis,
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Approximate Word count = 1794
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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