How is Holden mentally unstable?

While Salinger never provides a specific diagnosis, references to Holden’s mental instability are clear throughout the novel, and the reader could easily make the connection that Holden suffers from some combination of depression, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How does Holden feel about friends?

Holden appreciates his friendships and does what is possible to keep them and feels lonely and sad when he fights with his friends. Holden strongly remembers Jane Gallagher, they use to be really good friends a time ago and wishes to get together with her again to chat.

Why does Holden Caulfield have a mental breakdown?

Through psychoanalysis of Holden Caulfield, one may suggest that Allie ‘s death, social development, and an identity crisis are large contributing factors in Holden ‘s mental breakdown. Throughout the story, Holden frequently mentions feeling depressed and lonely. He also has problems getting along with people.

Why was Holden depressed?

His past traumas and current issues have led him to depression. In the beginning, Holden tells readers about the two deaths he experienced. His younger brother, Allie, died of leukemia three years prior, which greatly impacted him emotionally. Additionally, a classmate of Holden’s previous school committed suicide.

Is Holden Caulfield mentally ill?

Caulfield may be seen as suffering from a variety of mental illnesses including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This mental state could be a result of a variety of factors, including the death of his younger brother Allie, as well as witnessing the gruesome scene of a classmate’s death.

Why can’t Holden make friends?

Holden tries to connect with people but ends up comparing them to his previous close friends and realizes they cannot be compared with his exceptional friends. Due to that, Holden has trouble befriending others as he holds them to his unrealistic, high standards.

Did Holden have any friends?

Overall, Stradlater and Ackley are not Holden’s genuine friends, and Holden struggles to cultivate positive relationships with both of them. Colin Cavendish-Jones, Ph. D. Holden is always an unreliable narrator, and his relationships with all the other characters—except, perhaps, his sister, Phoebe—are volatile.

Why didn’t Holden lose his virginity?

Aside from being worried about losing his virginity to a prostitute, Holden chooses to not have sex with Sunny, because he is too depressed and upset with life. He does not feel “sexy” and admits that he only feels sad being around her.

Who does Holden talk to when he is depressed?

When Holden gets very depressed, he sometimes talks “sort of out loud” to his younger brother. He does so after Sunny leaves. His communication with Allie is almost religious, a confession of Holden’s boyhood lack of consideration for the kid.