Re-reading Catcher in the Rye, by Salinger, I am crying. How come?

Question

I first read Catcher in the Rye when I was 14 or so, and I liked it enough. A nice old white lady down the street gave me the book. Actually, she lent it to me, and I was supposed to return it to her, but seeing as how yesterday I found the fading maroon paperback packed inside a box in the basement, I guess I kind of forgot to return it. I gave it another read just now, and I came to the scene near the end where H.C. meets up with Phoebe one last time, but Phoebe won't let him go, and I started crying uncontrollably, and I had to stuff my shirt in my mouth and run to the bathroom, and splash water on my face, and stay in the bathroom for 10 minutes.

Did anyone else have a breakdown similar to me? Why am I like this? Am I emotionally unstable?

Answer 1

It's funny you had an emotional reaction like this when you openly call people racists and nazi's in your answers to certain peoples questions.

Answer 2

You are not emotional unstable, you have just grown up enough to appreciate the psychological complexity of the book. At 14, "Catcher in the Rye" is a a good story. The more you see of life, the more you can relate to the book itself.

Answer 3

1st thing some people would say is obvious is that you were reminded of the sentimental value of the gift(the act of kindness of the lady), and that it was loaned to you and probably only loaned for a reason. You might feel some guilt for keeping it and wondering if that lady ever missed it.(kind of like seeing an old friend you had shared a charished moment with) Maybe that book still physically holds the "aparational" sentiments the lady had placed on the book, that is if you believe in such a thing.
If you have to ask if you are emotionaly unstable and can't tell for yourself....maybe you need to analyze yourself and other past episodes and consult someone who can help if needed?
Best of luck...(hope you are fine =0)...)

Answer 4

I've had the same when I read Dickens's Bleak House: Jo's death.
Maybe I am emotionally unstable but I wouldn't want to miss those extreme reactions to literature.
In case you suffer from such outbursts I would, however, recommend to look for (professional) help. Just in case! I think it is perfectly alright to cry (even uncontrollably) when you read emotionally charged parts of a book and I assure you Phoebe not wanting to let go off Holden is one of those!

Answer 5

Hey.... I cried reading Catcher in the Rye, too. No breakdown, but it went straight to my heart. Reminded me of how vulnerable you are as a teen and also made me remember the events that led up to my first bout of depression. The story of Holden's kid bro really turned on the waterworks.

It's one of my fave books, which is a bit weird considering how it effects me LOL

Answer 6

If you suddenly find that you have 13 copies of Catcher in the Rye, then YES!!!

It's a very, very sad book.

P.S.

I cried most of the way through Forest Gump, believe it or not.

Answer 7

I'd say this means that you have a sensitive side that you hide very well in your answers to other people's questions on Yahoo! Answers. Maybe you should ask yourself NOT why you responded emotionally to rereading this book, but why you do not respond thoughtfully and sensitively to others; e.g., Mommy???, the 16-year-old who is pregnant--just one of several examples of smart-mouth answers to other peoples' questions.

Answer 8

Did you have a similar experience as H.C.? Could be a reaction to that.

Answer 9

You're not unstable, it's a sad pathetic tale of someone's decent into madness.

Answer 10

no, not at all my dear friend. i had a similar emotional breakdown not as severe as yours. but i can imagine my self in his shoes and it is truely sad.