Throughout the novel, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield's actions conveyed his deteriorating mental health. Holden endured a troubled childhood and adolescence. Several years prior to the opening of the novel, Holden's younger brother, Allie, died of leukemia. Since then, various boarding schools, most recently Pency Prep, expelled Holden because of his poor grades and lack of effort. Instead of confronting his parents with the news of his latest failure, Holden left school and spent several days in New York City. During Holden's stay in the city, he exhibited psychological traits not common to a sixteen-year-old, such as a preoccupation with death and major communication problems. Because of these traits, Holden Caulfield belonged in a mental institution.
             Throughout the novel, Holden demonstrated an intense preoccupation with death. For instance, Holden angered Maurice, Sunny's boss, because Holden denied owing Sunny money that Maurice claimed Holden owed. Out of cruelty, Maurice punched Holden in the stomach. In reaction to the blow, Holden acted like a wounded movie hero. Pretending to die because of a simple punch reflected Holden's abnormal thoughts. He grossly exaggerated the situation, indicating his mental instability. In addition, Holden displayed a great paranoia toward illness. While walking in Central park on a cold night, Holden's wet hair began to freeze. Holden convinced himself that he would soon catch pneumonia and die, simply because of his wet hair. One does not usually associate wet hair with death, however Holden immediately made the mental leap between the two. Finally, Holden did not accept the reality of his brother's death, which was indicated during one of Holden's visits to Allie's grave. During the visit, it began to rain. All the other visitors ran for the protection of their cars, but Holden felt depressed because Allie could not escape the rain. When he saw the v...