Holden Caulfield Conduct Disorder Essay

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Conduct Disorder Presented in The Catcher in the Rye Holden Caulfied has been known to have many various disorders as shown in the novel, such as, Conduct Disorder. “A form of antisocial behavior characterized by extremely disobedient behavior in children, including vandalism, theft, lying, and drug use” (Conduct Disorder the encyclopedia of Health and Wellness ). Conduct disorder mostly affects younger people and starts during your childhood. Conduct disorder affects 1 to 4 percent of 9- to 17-year-olds, due to lack of supervision or guidance, many people drift off the path and go their own way while violating the rules of society. This may include drug use, vandalism, stealing and antisocial actions. This was especially true for Holden …show more content…

Holden Caulfield showed many disorders throughout the Catcher in the Rye specifically Conduct Disorder having the three symptoms of isolation, drug use, and persistent lying. Conduct Disorder is especially present in Holden Caulfield all over the novel. To begin, Lying to avoid something is a symptom of this disorder. “A Person with Conduct Disorder often lies to obtain goods or favors or to avoid responsibilities. Also one often breaks rules to stay out at night.” (Conduct Disorder the encyclopedia of learning disabilities). This quote means that a person would lie if they want something or to get out of something. For example, you could lie and say that you are sick to avoid taking your math test and coming to school. A person would do this so they won’t need to do something else. You could also lie to your friends in any situation. For instance, you overhear your friends having a certain pair of shoes. You then jump in and say you also have them, when you however don’t. You lie just to fit in. This is exactly what Holden was doing most of the novel especially on his train ride with Mrs. Morrow; …show more content…

After having a rough childhood, people with Conduct Disorder grow up to become isolated and alienated from the whole of society. “Rejection by parents, peers, and teachers leads these children toward continuing isolation and alienation. Antisocial acts against people and property escalate children with conduct disorders.” (Prerost n.pag.). Without the affection and gratitude from parents, children feel isolated and worthless. They don’t feel like they have parents or families that care for them. This causes them to grow more alone without any friends or family members. People with Conduct Disorder don’t spend a lot of time with others and very minimal time with family. They want to spend time but at the same time don’t want to. They prefer to stay alone. This is one of the causes of Conduct Disorder and alienation/isolation is just one of the symptoms. Holden Caulfield is extremely alienated throughout the novel. When there is was football game Holden was by himself alone compared to everyone else who was at the game. “I remember around three o'clock that afternoon I was standing way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill, right next to this crazy cannon that was in the Revolutionary War and all. You could see the whole field from there, and you could see the two teams bashing each other all over the place. You couldn't see the grandstand too hot, but you could

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