Experiencing a tragedy at a young age causes many problems as the individual grows up. The most common effects are changes in usual behavior, episodes of crying or sadness, and suicidal thoughts. In The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd, and The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, the death of a close sibling causes two characters to take action and experience these effects. Enduring a tragedy often leaves you with feelings of depression. These effects might include loss of interest, hopelessness, and a feeling that things will never get better. Depression is more likely when you have had major losses, such as a family member (common reactions after trauma). Another effect is changes in usual behavior. This could include not doing something that is part of their routine or different feelings (Osofsky). These symptoms apply both to Holden, from The Catcher in the Rye, who has lost his younger brother, and to May, from The Secret Life of Bees, who has lost her twin sister. Because of their losses, they both feel great despair and behave badly. Holden often describes himself as feeling alone, as if no one understands him. He also dates girls he has no interest in. Having been expelled from multiple schools, he loses all interest in his grades or what his teachers think of him. He also does things that are not like him; he goes to bars and tries to buy alcohol. Also, unlike him, he pays a stripper with whom he doesn't end up having sex. Holden explains that he feels “more depressed than sexy” (Salinger 93-98). May Boatwright also shows signs of depression and changes in her usual behavior. Ever since her twin sister died, May has never been the same. She became depressed and carried the burden. He... middle of paper... sooner or later would have taken his own life. The characters May and Holden experienced the death of a loved one as teenagers. These catastrophes had a negative effect on their lives and caused changes in their usual behavior, episodes of sadness and suicidal thoughts. Works Cited “Common Reactions After Trauma.” PTSD: National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. January 23, 2009. Web.Conner, Michael G. “Coping with and Surviving Violent and Traumatic Events.” Crisis consultancy. August 24, 2011. Web.Kidd, Sue Monk. The secret life of bees. New York: Penguin Group, 2003. Print.Osofsky, Joy D. “Parenting After Traumatic Events: Ways to Support Children.” Psychological center. January 30, 2013. Web. December 12, 2013. “Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).” Psychological center. 9 Oct 2013. Web.13 Dec 2013. Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1951. Print.