The Catcher in the Rye

What's up with Holden ?

How 
would
 you
 describe 
him?


If
 you 
are 
the
 analyst/counselor
 to 
whom
 he 
relates 
his
 story, 
how 
would
 you 
assess/diagnose
 him?

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Last updated by jill d #170087
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The narrator and protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden is the son of a wealthy New York family who moves from boarding school to boarding school after being repeatedly expelled. Although he displays a number of typical teenage characteristics, his adolescent foibles become increasingly disturbing throughout the novel, revealing a self-destructive side. Holden, it seems, has been particularly devastated by the death of his brother Allie, who he considered the perfect child. This has thrown him into an existential crisis of sorts; he is unable to find joy in life or to cope with his loss. Ultimately on the brink, he capitulates to convention and comes back home, though there is little sense that he has found even the basic ingredients for happiness.

I minored in psychology, and I wouldn't even attempt to place a label on Holden's problems....... thus, I've linked an article below which might help you....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/16/holden-caulfield-diagnosis_n_3600983.html

Source(s)

http://www.gradesaver.com/the-catcher-in-the-rye/study-guide/character-list/