The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is set in the 1950s and is narrated by a young man, Holden Caufield. Holden makes it clear that he is undergoing treatment at a mental hospital after having had a rough life. Holden suffers from borderline personality disorder, which is a condition identified by an extended period of emotional irregularity. The events he narrates take place a few days between the end of the fall school term and Christmas when he is sixteen years old.
“Among other things, you’ll find that you’re not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behaviour. You’re by no means alone on that score; you’ll be excited and stimulated to know. Many, many men have been just as troubled morally and spiritually as you are right now.” (p. 208-209)
This quotation is said by Mr. Antolini, who is the antagonist of the book and Holden’s former teacher. He explains this to Holden, saying he is not alone in his feeling of disgust for human behaviour, but many people have shared the same honesty about the culture they live in. Holden goes to Mr. Antonili because he feels he can trust and confide in his former teacher, however, this is the event that precipitates his breakdown. He is left unsettled and unsure.