Holden’s Psyche in Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

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The novel The Catcher in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger, depicts a boy named Holden Caulfield whose psyche ultimately impacts his mental state. Throughout the novel Holden’s mental state gradually becomes affected by this damaged psyche. He either demonstrates the id or the superego, and rarely his ego. Holden’s psyche appears in the id, superego, and ego forms. The id, acts on impulses and wants instant gratification. This occurs when Holden has Sunny, a prostitute, come to his room. Holden tells Maurice, the elevator guy, “Okay,” I said. It was against my principles and all, but I was feeling so depressed I didn’t even think” (page 91). Holden felt so depressed that he wasn’t even sure what he agreed to and after agreeing he regretted it. Holden accepts Maurice’s offer of having a prostitute sent to his room without thinking first, which was an impulse that his brain had. The id also appears every time Holden drinks and smokes. Holden “…sat up in bed and smoked another cigarette. It tasted lousy. I must’ve smoked around two packs since I left Pencey” (page 100). The id is tellin...

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