Holden as the Universal Teen

Holden Caulfied represents a typical teenager on several different levels. First, is his yearning for company. Holden begins an endeavor of solidarity; a few days without really any friends or family. He struggles, having a difficult time handling the loneliness, and his entire demeanor is overcome with melancholy. This is quite obvious in his conversation with Carl Luce. ""Have just one more drink," I told him. "Please. I'm lonesome as hell. No kidding," (Salinger 149). Teenagers simply do not enjoy being ostracized. They want to enjoy themselves in the presence of their friends, and just have a good time. Holden's sadness and depression is indicative of his yearning for company. Also, Holden also has an obvious desire for a female figure in his life. He is quietly infatuated with Jane, as he misses her greatly. He also "falls in love" with Sally, and asks her to run away with him. Holden becomes so desperate that he actually invites a prostitute to his hotel room. These behaviors represent typical teenage male feelings; a period of hormonal instability.
Another trait that shows Holden as the universal teen is the way he speaks. His vernacular is informal, to say the least. Phrases such as "helluva" or "sonuva*****" represent his immaturity. Clearly Holden, similar to most teenagers, does not speak like an adult. Another typical trait of teenagers is the need for protection. Holden finds his with his red hunting hat. "My hunting hat really gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but i got soaked anyway. I didn't care, though. I felt so damn happy..." (213). Most teenagers, however, find this sense of protection with their parents. Parents often are there to help their children deal with their problem, thus, serving as a protective force. Unfortunately, Holden feels as if he does not have that option.