A Freudian Interpretation Of The Personality Of Holden Caulfield In The Catcher In The Rye

The Catcher in the Rye is the American writer J. D. Salinger's first and maybe his only published novel and it remains one of the most popular of all works of modern fiction. At the same time, it is also one of the most controversial novels in American literary history. Its hero Holden Caulfield has become one of the most remarkable heroes in American literature as well. Meanwhile, Holden Caulfield has also aroused much dispute among critics and the public alike. The thesis analyzes Holden Caulfield from the perspective of personality theory founded by Sigmund Freud.Holden Caulfield's id and superego are in conflict. Holden's ex-girl friend Jane Gallagher has probably been abused by her alcoholic stepfather, which distorts greatly Holden's understanding of sexuality and makes him regard sexuality as something ugly. A 16-year-old boy's sexual impulses and his conscience are thus in serious conflict. What's more, Holden's ego is not strong enough to reconcile his id with his superego. The conflicts among his id, ego and superego bring on anxiety to him. Holden blindly relies on ego defense mechanisms to reduce his anxiety. However, his anxiety is unable to be reduced as expected and finally leads to his breakdown.Employing the Freudian theory of personality to analyze Holden Caulfield's personality, the thesis contends that Holden Caulfield's personality is unable to develop healthily and normally because of his weak ego and the imbalance between his id and superego. And Holden cannot square up to the reality on account of his unhealthy personality and finally breaks down. The thesis deepens the understanding of The Catcher in the Rye and its hero Holden Caulfield.