"Catcher in the Rye" book report

Essay by splinter1900High School, 12th gradeA-, April 2006

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In "The Catcher in the Rye", Holden Cawfield is a depressed, immature lying teen who can't seem to grow up. 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.

Holden's depression centers on Allie. The manner that Holden sees himself and how he sees others leads him to be expelled from school. "One thing about packing depressed me a little," (p51). Holden expresses these feelings when he packs his bags after being notified that he is expelled. He 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, " What I really felt like doing was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out of the window," (p104).

Holden says this while he is all alone in his motel room. He is too ashamed of himself to return home, he knows that his mother will be upset and his father will be angry with him. He also adds that " I wasn't feeling sleepy or anything, but I was feeling sort of lousy. Depressed and all, I almost wished I was dead," (p90). Holden states this during one of the first nights that he is staying in New York. Holden expresses many thoughts of depression.

Compulsive lying is another characteristic that Holden exhibits. Holden would tell people lies just so they could not become closer to the real Holden. Holden tells lies on numerous occasions to gain. He pathectically tells Mrs. Morrow, " I have to have a tiny operation... it isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on...