How does Allie’s death affect Holden?

The death of Allie, Holden's younger brother, has a profound impact on Holden in J.D. Salinger's classic novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Holden is devastated by the loss, and his grief and despair shape his character and actions throughout the story. Allie's death, which occurred three years before the events of the book, marks a turning point in Holden's life. Holden is only thirteen when Allie dies, and the loss of his brother is a traumatic experience for him. Allie was the one person in Holden's life who understood him and accepted him for who he was, flaws and all. Holden can't bear the thought of losing that connection, and his coping mechanisms lead him down a destructive path.

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