Wednesday 28 January 2009

What are some possible explanations for Holden's lack of motivation in school? Give at least two examples from The Catcher in the Rye.


Caulfield is depicted as a neurotic teenager who struggles academically at Pencey Prep and
desperately fears entering the competitive world of adults. Although Holden is a bright
adolescent, he is failing every course, except English, and is not motivated to pass any other
classes. One of the primary causes of Holden's lack of motivation concerns his mental health.
Holden has not emotionally or psychologically healed from the traumatic death of his younger
brother,. Holden was only thirteen years old when his brother died of leukemia and has never
recovered or properly grieved. While Holden is at Pencey, he continues to reminisce about Allie
and even writes Stradlater's composition about Allie's baseball glove. In addition to Holden's
emotional issues stemming from Allies tragic death, he has also witnessed a classmate commit
suicide at Elkton Hills, which contributes to his mental health concerns. Holdens traumatic
experiences distract him from succeeding in the...

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