Character Analysis Of Catcher In The Rye
In the novel “The Catcher in the Rye”, the character Holden Caulfield demonstrates his unusual behaviour. The narrator introduces the story of an emotionally hurt teenager whose suspicions and personal issues prevent him from being normal in a society full of “phonies” that he does not seem to get along with. It becomes clear that Holden has clouded judgement as he has multiple mood swings with the people he likes, and dislikes. Therefore, it becomes obvious that some of his personal flaws include his distrust, depression, and unreasonable attitudes and thoughts are based on his underlying emotional problems. Holden Caulfield has a variety psychological problems, such as his skepticism, depressive behaviour, and his unjustifiable attitudes
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In many cases throughout the novel, Holden tells the reader of his feeling of deep sadness, and even admitting his depression. However, in most of these cases, his sadness is triggered by little events or situations which shouldn’t have affected him at all. For example, when he explains his feelings about the phony Elkton Hills headmaster talking with his parents, he says, “It makes me so depressed I go crazy” (Salinger 14). His feelings about the headmaster are interesting, because it shows that he overreacts and has depressive thoughts for little, unreasonable things which most teenagers at his age typically don’t experience. Also, Holden even considers committing suicide multiple times throughout the novel. While at his short stay in Manhattan, just the thought of his yellowness and his gloves being stolen at Pencey Prep depresses him to the point where he decides to have more alcoholic drinks after a night in the town. After a night in which Holden didn’t socialize the way he wanted to, he feels so depressed that he wished he died. According to Dr. Greenwald, symptoms of depression include “suicidal thoughts, agitated behaviour, and depressive thoughts”, which are exactly what Holden seems to be experiencing. These instances are important, because it shows that his feelings are unreasonable, and as a result, his depression affects his rational
In many cases throughout the novel, Holden tells the reader of his feeling of deep sadness, and even admitting his depression. However, in most of these cases, his sadness is triggered by little events or situations which shouldn’t have affected him at all. For example, when he explains his feelings about the phony Elkton Hills headmaster talking with his parents, he says, “It makes me so depressed I go crazy” (Salinger 14). His feelings about the headmaster are interesting, because it shows that he overreacts and has depressive thoughts for little, unreasonable things which most teenagers at his age typically don’t experience. Also, Holden even considers committing suicide multiple times throughout the novel. While at his short stay in Manhattan, just the thought of his yellowness and his gloves being stolen at Pencey Prep depresses him to the point where he decides to have more alcoholic drinks after a night in the town. After a night in which Holden didn’t socialize the way he wanted to, he feels so depressed that he wished he died. According to Dr. Greenwald, symptoms of depression include “suicidal thoughts, agitated behaviour, and depressive thoughts”, which are exactly what Holden seems to be experiencing. These instances are important, because it shows that his feelings are unreasonable, and as a result, his depression affects his rational