Just a suggestion, I know we don't know much about Salinger's personal life, but I believe I have read he has been hospitalized for psychological reasons. I tend to think that Seymour is Salinger's way of expressing himself (compare the numerous symbols and possibilities from A Perfect Day for Bananafish). As well as Seymour, I think Salinger expressed himself through Holden, and that suggests to me, that the ending of TCitR, if you would consider it a breakdown, was definitely psychological. But that's just my opinion, and I would be even amazed if anyone were to agree. -Olga-