Analysis Of Holden Uses Defense Mechanisms
Jenny Jung Mrs. Kehrmeyer AP Language, Period 1 08 March 2017 Consequently, Holden uses
defense mechanisms, as a means of preventing anxiety that would result from conscious
awareness of disturbing impulses, wishes, or ideas arising from the id, (Nevid 471). Nevid
explains that according to Freudian theory, defense mechanisms reside in the unconscious part of
the human brain because if people were conscious of every single problem, people wouldn t be
able to function. Therefore, Holden is subconsciously utilizing defense mechanisms in order to
shield himself from confronting his problems. One major defense mechanism present in Holden s
behavior is denial. Holden s resides in an ivory tower, reluctant to accept that he s actually hurt....
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However, Nevid clarifies, Though defense mechanisms may be a normal process of adjusting to
the unreasonable demands of the id, they can give rise to abnormal behavior, (471). Although
defense mechanisms can help put off a certain problem for some time, relying on defense
mechanisms is not always beneficial because it gives people reasons to act irrationally. This
clarification of Freud s theory is strongly portrayed in Holden s exaggerated view of reality. His
denial triggers delusional fantasies in Holden s mind that he doesn t seem to think deeply about.
For example, when one rash thought entered into Holden s mind, he delivers an ultimatum to
Sally, saying, ...Tomorrow morning we could drive up to Massachusetts and Vermont...We ll
stay in cabin camps until the dough runs out. Then, when the dough runs out, I could get a job
somewhere, and we could live somewhere with a brook and all and, later on, we could get
married or something, (Salinger 132). At the age of sixteen, as if it s not unrealistic enough, he
tries to persuade Sally. When Sally gives him a reality check, he practically rages at her. Holden
is so blinded by the fantasy world he created for himself and his defense mechanisms were giving
Holden an excuse to acting abnormally. As a result, he blames Sally for the unreasonable idea he
proposed, calling her a royal pain in the ass, (133). This irrational behavior of Holden is exactly
what Freud is illustrating in his theory of personality that
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