Why does Holden do his bullet in the guts number again?

In J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," Holden Caulfield's "bullet in the guts" number reflects his deep-seated feelings of alienation and despair. He uses this metaphor to express his emotional pain and the overwhelming sense of failure he experiences in connecting with others. This act serves as a coping mechanism, highlighting his struggle with mental health and his desire for escape from the complexities of adulthood. Ultimately, it underscores his internal conflict and the yearning for protection from a world he perceives as phony.