In the novel Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden expresses some attributes of someone who struggles with anxiety issues. From his aversion to activities to his obsession with avoiding social anxiety and impostures, Holden exhibits inappropriate language, depression, insomnia, and detachment, which together uniquely and clearly characterize him as a mentally disturbed. However, at certain points in the novel, Holden has advanced language compared to that of Stradlater, Ackley and others. Early in the story, for example, as Holden remembers a book he read, Holden says that he is "fairly illiterate... but [reads] a lot" (Salinger 18). Although Holden may not be the best writer or advanced reader, this comment tells readers that Holden reads more than the average 1950s teenager, a testament to his enhanced language and high crystallized intelligence, or his ability to use his skills, his knowledge. , and experience. Through his extensive reading, Holden has a wide range of vocabulary, such as “exhibitionist” and forms of “ostracism,” among others (Academic Help, Salinger 29, 3, 166). Yet these moments where Holden seems to stand out in his vocabulary cannot be compared to the shocking 245 times he says "damn" and the 281 times he says "hell" (Lettiere). Salinger has Holden repeat specific words, such as "depressed", "crazy", and "lonely", to help define Holden as a character, as shown by his behavior and thoughts, who is depressed and mentally disturbed. Over the course of one night, Holden stays up to tell readers about the argument he had with Stradlater over Jane, an old friend of Holden's. In fact, Holden stayed awake for seven more chapters, thinking and working...... middle of paper ......Community High School, November 20, 2011. Web. May 6, 2014.Ledoux, Joseph. “For the anxious, avoidance may have an advantage.” The New York Times: The Opinionist. The New York Times, April 7, 2013. Web. May 6, 2014. Park, Erica, Catherine Myung, Chung Han Lin, Allen Qin, Nicolette Pappas and Sally Moon. “What’s bothering Holden?” Catcher-Rye. Tangient LLC, December 18, 2009. Web. May 1, 2014. Quenqua, Douglas. “Children can usually recover from emotional trauma.” The New York Times. The New York Times, December 17, 2012. Web. May 06, 2014.Salinger, JD The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1951. Print. Smith, Brian. “The Rye Catcher.” The Rye Catcher. Edline, and Web. May 06 2014.