Holden is considered a universal teen because of his persistant rebellion and his roller coaster emtions. Throughout his story, Holden struggles with his emotions, more specifically, his depression. The reader sees his problem constantly growing worse as the book progresses. "What I really felt like, though, was commiting suicide. I felt like jumping out the window. I probably would have done it, too, if I'd been sure somebody'd cover me up as soon as I landed" (Salinger 104). The reader really understands just how serious he was about his thoughts of dying after this point. From here on, until Phoebe comes back into his life, Holden starts spinning out of control simply because he cannot cope with his grief.
It's learned that Holden has had past troubles with staying and attending schools, feeding the rebellious urges he has against the "phonies". He frequently asks about drinking, even though he is underage. As the story progresses and his depression worsens he begins to drink heavily, getting outrageously drunk multiple times trying to run from his pain. "Boy, I sat at that goddam bar till around one o'clock or so, getting drunk as a bastard. I could hardly see straight" (150).
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