It's nothing new, that everybody feels depressed at some time or another in their lives. However, it becomes a problem when that depression is so much a part a person's life that person can no longer see the happiness right in front him. Holden Caulfield, in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, faces the same problem; he is a confused, negatively charged adolescent character in search of his identity and his place in the world. He suffers from manic depression, which stems from a desire not to grow up and a lack of closure in his brothers death, obviously death of his sibling is very depressing as we see that the relationships people share with siblings are often the longest lasting they will ever have (Crispell, 1992). But this all has led to an extreme lack of personal motivation, low self esteem and compulsive lying, his inability to self-reflect and his stubbornness to overlook the obvious that collectively resulted in him giving up on life before he ever really has a chance to get it started. Holden lacks the essential ability to motivate himself, which he needs to survive in the 'real' world. He does not see the importance of progress, maturity and responsibility, necessary attributes to a functional American dream.
             Compulsive lying is a characteristic that Holden exhibits. Holden would tell people lies just so they could not become closer to the real Holden. Holden tells lies on numerous occasions to gain. Holden pathetically tells Mrs. Morrow, " I have to have a tiny operation... it isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on my brain" (Salinger, 58). She tells Holden that she is very sorry and she is hopeful that he shall be well soon. Holden then catches him self in a lie and he remarks, "Once I get started, I can go on for hours if I feel like it," (Salinger, 58). This compulsive lying shows that Holden is not satisfied with himself and that he feels that people will judge him critically.
             "Certain thin...