Holden Caulfield Mental Illness Essay

The main character in the novel the Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield, is often debated; some believe he has a mental disorder, while others argue that he is a normal teenaged boy. The novel is told from Holden’s perspective, and shows his take on the few days before Christmas in the 1950s, during which he is expelled from Pencey Prep., a boarding school in Pennsylvania, travels to New York City, goes on a date with an old friend, and finally decides to run away, the only thing making him stay is his younger sister, Phoebe. In the final chapter of the novel, the reader learns that Holden was admitted into a mental institution, and he has been seeing a psychoanalyst. Holden’s voice is very prevalent throughout the entire novel, and the first person perspective, as well as the author’s diction, create a very judgemental tone; Holden finds fault with every activity and almost everyone. Though this may seem to be the behavior of an ordinary teenager, more abnormal traits and events stand out to the reader;
Though this revelation may seem without importance, accurate and diverse representation of mental illnesses in literature, especially such a timeless novel that is read by so many, is of great significance; it provides those without a mental illness an opportunity to see it and understand one through the eyes of someone who has it, and it affirms those with a mental illness that they are not alone, and they have nothing to be ashamed of. Accurate portrayal of a mental illness also combats ignorance on the subject, which saves many from unwarranted and undue criticism and hate, which should be the ultimate goal of this and any