The Theme of Teen Depression in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
This book study will explore the theme of teen depression in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. In Salinger’s novel, the main character, Holden Caulfield, is a teenager that experiences problems with depression. Holden is unable to concentrate and has vey little interest in talking with other people. These behaviors define the some of the psychological traits of depression, which prevent Holden from getting close to any of the people he encounters throughout the novel. Holden’s view of the world is thoughtful, but he never really makes a connection with those he loves and appreciates. A psychological description of the symptoms of depression will be defined in the …show more content…
Salinger. Holden’s inability to concentrate is one symptom of depression that has him expelled from school for not finishing his studies, which kept him isolated from other students and faculty. This inability to concentrate is a symptom of depression that makes it very difficult to commit oneself to any single chore. More so, Holden is incapable of having a healthy and loving relationship with a male friend or a female love interest. This is the result of a loss of interests in other people, which is another symptom of depression that Holden experiences with a prostitute and his poor relations with Mr. Spencer. Depression is seen throughout this novel as a way to show Holden’s own sadness and despair through the perspective of a teenager. This type of depression can be found in all ages, but Holden shows the specific behaviors of rebellion and unhealthy relationships as part of searching for his identity. Certainly, the death of Holden’s little brother was a tragic event that may have also cause trauma for Holden, but he presents many of the symptoms of depression as the main mental problem in this novel. In this manner, the theme of teen depression has been examined in this book study of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D.
This book study will explore the theme of teen depression in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. In Salinger’s novel, the main character, Holden Caulfield, is a teenager that experiences problems with depression. Holden is unable to concentrate and has vey little interest in talking with other people. These behaviors define the some of the psychological traits of depression, which prevent Holden from getting close to any of the people he encounters throughout the novel. Holden’s view of the world is thoughtful, but he never really makes a connection with those he loves and appreciates. A psychological description of the symptoms of depression will be defined in the …show more content…
Salinger. Holden’s inability to concentrate is one symptom of depression that has him expelled from school for not finishing his studies, which kept him isolated from other students and faculty. This inability to concentrate is a symptom of depression that makes it very difficult to commit oneself to any single chore. More so, Holden is incapable of having a healthy and loving relationship with a male friend or a female love interest. This is the result of a loss of interests in other people, which is another symptom of depression that Holden experiences with a prostitute and his poor relations with Mr. Spencer. Depression is seen throughout this novel as a way to show Holden’s own sadness and despair through the perspective of a teenager. This type of depression can be found in all ages, but Holden shows the specific behaviors of rebellion and unhealthy relationships as part of searching for his identity. Certainly, the death of Holden’s little brother was a tragic event that may have also cause trauma for Holden, but he presents many of the symptoms of depression as the main mental problem in this novel. In this manner, the theme of teen depression has been examined in this book study of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D.