In Catcher in the Rye, Holden writes about the egyptian mummies in his history paper. What does that tell you about him?

Holden's fascination with the Egyptian mummies suggests that he is curious about death.  In his paper he wrote:

"Modern science would still like to know what the secret ingredients were that Egyptians used when they wrapped up dead people so that their faces would not rot for innumerable centuries." (Salinger)

Holden is still dealing with the death of his brother, Allie, three years ago in the novel.  His thoughts go to death several times in the story.  He considers his own death, he talks about the death of a school mate, James Castle, when he attended Elkton Hills.  Castle jumped out the window, committing suicide wearing a sweater that he borrowed from Holden.

Holden considers both life and death in this novel, as he realizes that he has no choice but to grow up, can't stop the process, he considers the ramifications of death.