Quote
"What I really felt like, though, was committing suicide . I felt like jumping out the window" (Salinger 104).
Context
When Holden arrives at the hotel, the elevator operator, Maurice, offers Holden a prostitute. Sunny, the prostitute goes up to his room, but when she arrives, he realizes that he just wants to talk. Sunny leaves and comes back with Maurice. The two demand for their five dollars which Holden refuses to give them. This results in Holden getting into a fight with Maurice and being beat up.
Analysis
Holden was feeling really down at this point of the story. He had just been kicked out of school and he tries to do the right thing by not taking advantage of the prostitute, but his money gets stolen anyways. Nothing is going right for Holden. First, he gets kicked out of Pencey, he then loses the fencing equipment on the bus and now he gets his money stolen by a prostitute and her pimp. Holden's emotional instability with the loss of his brother combined with these instances that coincided resulted in Holden's suicidal thoughts.
Research/Peer Response
If you are having a bad day and you feel sad or depressed, listen to some music or read a book to help get your mind off the subject. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of depression that include, apathy, aches, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite or compulsive overeating, withdrawal from friends, talk to your parents and your mental health care provider will help determine the best treatment for you. If your depression leads to having any suicidal thoughts, there is help out there and you are not alone. Life would not be better if you just "disappeared" and there is always a better option than ending your own life.
Hotlines:
1-800-SUICIDE
1-800-273-TALK
Song
Coldplay-Fix You
When I'm having a bad day, this is the song that I always listen to.
