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Death of a loved one can greatly impact the lives of people. J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, portrays a New York City teenager in the 1950's, Holden Caulfield, as severely depressed. Holden's depression begins after the death of his younger brother, Allie. Holden is expelled from numerous schools due to his poor academics and social interactions which are brought on by his depression. Depression, preposterous lies, and alienation throughout the novel help to establish Holden‘s character. There are several events in Holden's life lead him to become depressed. One major even is the death of his brother Allie. After the death of his brother, Holden alienates himself from his family and becomes enraged with anger, while questioning why Allie had to die. Holden lets out his anger by breaking every window in the garage. By Holden expressing his anger it demonstrates how he doesn’t understand the meaning of death and why certain people, such as Allie, who still had his life in front him had to die. Holden's depression centers on Allie. Another major event was when Holden had been informed that he had been expelled from school. As Holden packs his luggage, Holden says to himself, "One thing about packing depressed me a little," (51). Expressing his emotions while packing demonstrates that he hates change. It clarify that Holden doesn’t take change easily because change can often times alter a persons character and environment.
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