Examples Of Depression In Catcher In The Rye

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In the novel The Catcher in The Rye by J.D Salinger the central character Holden Caulfield portrays some very concerning behavior. At only sixteen years old, Holden has experienced many adult like situations.After readers finish this book, it is clear to all that Holden suffers a form of Depression. Depression is defined as a condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal;sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason. Always being surrounded by phonies, loss of a sibling and extreme loneliness are factors that lead Holden Caulfield down the deep dark tunnel that is depression.

During a large part of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden is alone. The extreme solitude may contribute to his depression. …show more content…

Almost everyone that Holden comes into contact with throughout the story is accused of being a phony. To Holden everyone is either a social climber, money focused, or reputation obsessed. An example of Holden making wrongful judgements is during his date with Sally. When she encounters an old friend he says "Then all of a sudden, she saw some jerk she knew on the other side of the lobby. Some guy in one of those very dark gray flannel suits and one of those checkered vests. Strictly Ivy League. Big deal."He continues to say "He was the kind of a phony that have to give themselves room when they answer somebody's question."( 17.14) This quote shows how Holden incorrectly uses this word to describe others he has little knowledge of. Many times we hear Holden say how lonely he is and how he has no one to talk to, however he rejects each person he meets. He rejects the social norms of adulthood and claims that all that participate are phonies. For Holden the use of the word phony is like a shield. In order to protect himself from being rejected once again he uses this word to reject a possible relationship before they are able to reject him. Although his feelings are not justified, Holden still believes that most people are phonies. He has no faith in human beings, and this a factor in his

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