Censorship in Society

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The 1950’s novel the Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger has caused quite a controversy ever since the book’s publishing date. It is known as one of the greatest pieces of literature in American history but it is also known for its profanity, sexual content and psychological instability. The main character, Holden Caufield is a reckless teenager that is seeking adventure in the streets of New York City after he flunks out of his prep school. Throughout his tale, Holden conducts himself in a very precarious way. He is swift to make bad decisions and even though there are many consequences for his actions, he does not learn from the trials. I have come to the idea that Holden Caufield is a teenager that has Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a mental condition that contains “periods of mania alternating with periods of depression”(Mansela). I believe that he has this disorder because of the lack of seriousness he takes in his education, his swiftness of mind changes and the fantasies that he carries in his mind.
Holden attends an upscale high school called Pencey Prep. He has attended several schools before this due to his lack of determination in his education. Pencey Prep has also decided to kick him out. A very common symptom of Bipolar Disorder is being, “Easily distracted,” and “problems concentrating” (Mayo Clinic). He does talk about these issues in the book. “The trouble was, I couldn't concentrate too hot. Sometimes it's hard to concentrate” (Salinger 169).So due to these issues he could also be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, but I don’t think that is his only problem. Holden can also be a very aggressive teenager. His roommate, Stradlater brought out a lot of his anger when they were talking abo...

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...played in the entire book should raise red flags that point to the condition. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a book that has caused a lot of controversy through the years. People have their opinions on Holden’s psychological state and their decision on if he should have ended the novel being treated at a mental institute or snug in his bed at home.

Works Cited

Mansela, Chris. Catcher In the Rye Psychology. Goarticles.com. June 28, 2011 Web. http://goarticles.com/article/Catcher-in-the-Rye-Psychology/4862527

Mayo Clinic Staff. Bipolar Disorder Symptoms. Mayoclinic.com. January 18, 2012. Web. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=symptoms

Salinger, J.D. Catcher in the Rye. NewYork: Little Brown and Company, 1991. Print.

Bipolar Disorder and Money Management. Squidoo.com. 2013. Web. http://www.squidoo.com/bipolar-money

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