What was Holden’s problem? Use incidents and examples from the
book to support your conclusion.

     In the book “The Catcher in the Rye”, by J.D. Salinger. The
main character of the book and narrator was Holden Caulfield, who
moves from prep school to prep school. He is sixteen years old and a
junior at Pencey Prep. Holden is intelligent and sensitive. Holden’s
problem in this book was that he felt lonely and scared of the adult
world. He was also confused about life and the people in it.
     Holden feels tormented by the memory of his younger brother
Allie’s death. His life was also complicated by his sexuality. This was
shown all throughout the book, especially when he was with Sunny,
the prostitute, in the hotel room. He had the opportunity to do sexual
things with her but he did not because he felt uncomfortable. Usually
Holden does not do anything to girls on dates if they say no, but it was
different with the prostitute it was her job and he still decided not to do
anything with her because he did not feel sexy enough.
     He wants to see his sister, Phoebe, and his old girlfriend Jane
Gallagher, but instead he spends time with Sally Hayes. Although,
Holden says he really likes Jane but he never calls her. He is
confused about his feelings. Holden got really lonely roaming around
the city, so he decides to sneak back to his parents apartment to talk
to Phoebe. He borrows some money from her because he was broke
and she offered all her Christmas money. This is when Holden really
felt like a loser. He felt that he can not accomplish to nothing taking
money from his little sister, so he decides to give it back to her. This
is when he started thinking much harder about life and that he needs
to get into the adult world and out this little kids world and grow up.
     Holden experiences a nervous breakdown as he wonders the
streets of NYC. As he is crossing the street he feels as if he is going
down into the ground like he was dying. He looks back and starts
talking to his dead Allie as if Allie was there coaching him saying that
he can do it. This is the point were Holden realizes that he has to
start growing up and live life. Beneath the surface of Holden’s tone
and behavior runs a more idealistic, emotional current. Holdens
insecurity affected him in a big way. Dealing with Allies death and life
did not help him out until his breakdown.