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Ester Greenwood and DPDR

According to the National Institutes of Health, DPDR (Depersonalization Derealization Disorder) is a disorder referring to an “estranged state of mind” with a “profound feeling of detachment to one’s sense of self and the surrounding environment,” ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10132272/ ). However, Ester displays both derealization and depersonalization in different instances, showing her symptoms amount to more than just dissociation. While depersonalization is a detachment from one's self, often described as being outside of your body and observing your life, derealization focuses on the environment and others being seen as unreal, dreamlike, or distorted. DEREALIZATION In chapter 9, Ester describes Hilda in many notable terms, for instance, comparing her movements to a mannequin's in page 99. Ester even writes Hilda as doubting her existence herself. “She stared at her reflection in the glossed shop windows as if to make sure, moment by moment, that she continue...
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What was Mr. Antolini’s purpose?

Mr. Antolini is introduced as a guiding figure for Holden. We are first introduced to him when Holden needs a place to stay, not wanting his parents to find out he was kicked out of Pencey. Holden trusts his teacher enough to stay at his place when he is vulnerable.  Holden writes that Antolini is a heavy drinker, and offers him a cigaretteIt's clear that Holden’s and Mr Antolini’s relationship is unconventional. Antolini interacts more casually than a teacher, creating an air of authenticity that Holden finds refreshing. It's also worth noting that Holden trusts him enough to listen to his criticism. When Holden expresses his dislike for Oral Expression, having flunked that class, Antolini goes on to have a thorough conversation with Holden. This advice clearly left an impression on Holden, as he stated:  “I laid awake for just a couple of seconds thinking about all that stuff Mr Antolini’d told me. About finding out the size of your mind and all. He was really a pretty smart...
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