A Psychoanalytical Analysis of Holden Caulfield

Introduction

Holden Caulfield is a 17-year-old boy who has been temporarily sent to Happy Farms, a mental institution, to observe his behavior and recover from a nervous breakdown. Holden himself is the narrator, and he tells the readers his story while he is at Happy Farms. He narrates the crazy things that happened to him one week before being sent to this place and also reveals the reason why he is at Happy Farms now. His unnecessary urge to lie to avoid confrontation undermines his sense of manhood. It is suggested that Holden Caulfield should not be released from this place temporarily due to his psychological problems, which are revealed through his extreme cynicism, depressive thoughts, and delusional fantasies. Holden Caulfield is persistently trying to hide his true identity. He does not want people to know who he really is or that he was expelled from his high school due to academic failure. He frequently uses fake names and attempts to speak in a tone that persuades others to perceive him in a particular way.

Psychoanalytical Analysis of Holden Caulfield

Holden says it is something that seems to be part of himself, and he simply does it without much worry: “I’m the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life” (Salinger, 1951, Chapter 3, p. 19). Regardless of the place or circumstance, he is always lying when somebody asks him about his life. In one particular moment, when he is on a train, an older woman starts talking to him, and he pretends to be another person. He also tells the old woman that he is sick: “I have to have this operation, … It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain” (Salinger, 1951, Chapter 8, p. 65). Holden simply cannot avoid it: he lies all the time. Even during ordinary conversations, Holden would still lie. He lies about his family, his age, and even when he is trying to talk to the people around him.

Holden's Coping Mechanisms

Holden is only 17 years old when he starts smoking and drinking alcohol. He uses smoking and drinking as an escape from his stressful life: “I sat in the chair for a while and smoked a couple of cigarettes… Boy, I felt miserable. I felt so depressed, you can’t imagine” (Salinger, 1951, Chapter 14, p. 110). Holden even attempted suicide after being beaten up by Maurice, the elevator operator, and feeling too depressed from the encounter with the prostitute, Sunny. Holden seems indifferent to what other people think of him and what he does. He acts according to his own whims and desires, often without regard for the consequences. This behavior underscores the depth of his internal struggles and the complexity of his character.

Conclusion

Holden Caulfield's behavior and mindset reflect a young man grappling with deep-seated psychological issues. His compulsion to lie, his reliance on smoking and drinking as coping mechanisms, and his indifference to societal norms all paint a picture of a troubled individual. As such, his time at Happy Farms may be necessary to address these underlying issues and help him find a healthier path forward. The exploration of Holden's character offers valuable insights into the challenges of adolescence and the impacts of unresolved emotional turmoil.

References

Salinger, J. D. (1951). The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown and Company.