... demonstrated in the character of Holden Caulfield, the protagonist in J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. While residing in a mental hospital in California, Holden explains the events that led to his downfall. Within his story, all the reasons for his extreme unhappiness are revealed. Holden's severe depression is made apparent through his inward emotional turmoil, phoniness, and his idealistic ... fantasies. Holden's life is tormented by his constant search for the ... he never received closure. After Allie's death, Holden "broke all the goddam windows with [his] fist" (39), and ...

• Word Count: 1855
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School