Manic-Depressive Behavior Displayed in The Catcher in the Rye The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, portrays Holden Cawfield, a teenager in New York City in the 50s, like a manic-depressive. Holden's depression begins with the death of his brother Allie. Holden is expelled from numerous schools due to his poor academics caused by his depression. Manic depression, compulsive lying, and immaturity throughout the novel characterize Holden. Events in Holden's life cause him to become depressed. Holden's depression centers on Allie. The way Holden sees himself and the way he sees others leads to him being expelled from school. The speaker states, “One thing about packing has got me a little depressed” (51). Holden expresses these feelings when he packs his bags after being informed that he is being deported. Holden leaves school and heads to New York City, where he finds himself more alone and depressed than ever. He is all alone and complains, "What I really felt like doing was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out the window" (104). Holden says this while all alone in his motel room. He is too ashamed of himself to return home, he knows his mother will be upset and his father will be angry with him. He also adds that "I wasn't sleepy or anything like that, but I felt kind of crappy. Depressed and all, I almost wished I was dead" (90). Holden states this during one of the first nights he stays in New York. Holden expresses many thoughts of depression. Compulsive lying is another characteristic that Holden exhibits. Holden told people lies just to keep them from getting closer to the real Holden. Holden tells lies on numerous occasions to make money. Holden pathetically tells Mrs. Morrow, "I have to have a little operation...it's not very serious. I have this tiny brain tumor" (58). She tells Holden that she is very sorry and hopes he gets well soon. Holden then catches himself lying and observes, “Once I get started, I can go on for hours if I feel like it” (58). This compulsive lying shows that Holden is unhappy with himself and that he feels that people will judge him critically.