Psychoanalysis is a psychoanalytic theory and therapy that aims to treat mental disorders by investigating the conscious and unconscious elements in the human mind by bringing fears to the conscious mind. According to Sigmund Freud, “The unconscious silently directs the thoughts and behavior of the individual” (Freud 95). Holden Caulfield, the main character of J.D. Salinger's novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is sixteen years old and doesn't act like his age because he is stuck in his own private world, full of pain and suffering. In the novel, Holden can be observed through a psychoanalytic vision, which provides the reader with a clear understanding of his unconscious. Holden is shown as a troubled and foolish teenager who flunks out of another private school for boys. This in the story is ironic because, Holden states, “'That son of a bitch Hartzell thinks you're a hotshot in English, and he knows you're my roommate” (Salinger 28). The teacher thinks Holden is good at school, but his mental problems affect him academically and beyond his inability to cope with life. Salinger begins his novel with Holden explicitly stating, “If you really want to hear it, the first thing you probably want to know is where I was born and what my bad childhood was like…” (Salinger 1). Seeing Holden from a psychoanalytic point of view we can assume that his terrible childhood may be the cause of his sense of loss, repression and his unstable emotions of depression and isolation. According to another psychologist who agrees with Freudian theory, Lacan states: “Human behavior is often something enigmatic, requiring concerted acts of investigation to discover deep causes and multiple effects” (Room 105). Holden's mental disorder...... middle of paper...the mind develops from child to adult. Furthermore, it describes what problems can arise if any of them are damaged. Not only that, but it also states the order in which it is formed. This is a great show because it can help anyone who needs to learn about the mind from a psychoanalytic perspective. Garcia 9"JD Salinger." 2013. The Biography Channel website. November 21, 2013, 10:08am This biography of the author of The Catcher in the Rye really helps you understand why Salinger wrote it. This bio helped me connect the similarities between him and the main character. It also explains what he goes through in his life and gives you an understanding that he is also psychoanalyzed. This article is a great demonstration because it really gives you understanding of Salinger, what he goes through in life and the bond he has with Holden.