Catcher in the Rye- Motivation

The Catcher in the Rye
by J. D. Salinger
pgs 156-214

Motivation is an interesting topic to discuss in reference to Holden, because at first glance, he has none.  In a general view, Holden is completely unmotivated- to make friends, stay in school, or have intelligent conversations.  However, as motivation is defined as a characters reasons for doing something, Holden does in fact have motivation for his action, or inaction.  Holden always says how he's never "in the mood" to do anything- call people up, go to the movies, engage in a conversation, etc. When he is at Mr. Antolini's house, Mr Antonlini keeps asking Holden to go into detail about what he thinks and feels.  Holden says, "'It's hard to explain.' I didn't feel much like trying, either.  For one thing, I had this terrible headache all of a sudden" (184).
It seems like the second that anyone wants to get too personal or wants Holden to explain things more fully, Holden has a way or an excuse to avoid it.  He blames his impersonal and anti-social behaviors on uncontrollable things, like his mood or a body ache.  He refuses to admit that he simply does not want to explain himself or get to personal.  This is Holden's way of defending himself and the way he thinks and feels.  It also goes back to Holden being confused, insecure, and isolated.  He has yet to take responsibility for not being intimately involved with anyone.
When Holden finishes his whole story, he realizes that at the time, he had no motivation to form close relationships; he was pushing people away.  He now admits that, "I sort of miss everybody I told about" (214).  Holden regrets not being kind or close to people, and with this realization, the reader can hope for a more promising future for Holden.