Catcher and the Rye

Natalie Sharpe

Mrs. Bronk

H English 2

13 June 2010

The Catcher In The Rye

The novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger is about a young character, Holden Caulfield, facing many trials and errors. In the book Holden resists maturing, as he does not want to grow up. He adventures out into the real world, realizing he does not like it at all.

Holden is very depressed in this period of his life. As each day goes by, he becomes more and more depressed. The more he becomes depressed, the more he crazily speaks and acts. Being kicked out of his school triggered a huge amount of his depression. Because he was so depressed he left his school early, but did not want to bring the news to his family, so he stays out in the city. When Holden goes to stay with Mr. Antolini, he has a long talk with Holden. He tells Holden he is "riding for some kind of a terrible fall" (Salinger 187). He understood Holden's thoughts and actions, and was one of the only who saw the depression Holden had. Mr. Antolini visualizes Holden building up with depression and going into a mental breakdown. With this Mr. Antolini proclaimed, "It's a special kind of fall, a horrible kind. The man falling isn't permitted to feel or hear himself hit bottom" (Salinger 187). Mr. Antolini is referring to Holden falling, and when he has a nervous breakdown, he will not feel or hear himself; he will not know.

Mr. Antolini's words were very much correct, but Holden just didn't understand the perception. He hit rock bottom, without feeling himself hit the bottom. He tries everything not to grow up, because growing up depresses him.