Symbolism in the Catcher in the Rye

It is proven that the environment that one grows up in can alter the person forever. J.D. Salinger's novel, The Catcher In The Rye is based in the 1940s. The novel is narrated by Holden Caulfield and follows his journey after failing his school Pencey Prep. The novel centers around Holden, and his transition from childhood to adulthood. Salinger writes using abundant amounts of symbolism throughout the novel to convey the emotions of Holden. The three symbols that are most significant to the story are the red hunting hat, Allier's baseball mitt, and the Museum of Natural History. The red hunting hat resembles Holden's insecurities, itr's bright red color appeals to Holdens desire to be distinct, when he wears it he becomes confident. CD Even though Holden really got a bang out of the hat (Salinger 27), he is embarrassed and lacks the confidence to wear it in public. Holden takes the hat off in the train, at the bar, and also in the hotel lobby. The hat demonstrates his discreteness and who he wishes to be. He wears the hat whenever he wants to be different and deviant from the people in the vicinity of him. Phoebe does what she knows will make Holden happy what she did - it damm near killed me - she reached in my pocket took out my hat and put it on my head (Salinger 212). This reveals that Phoebe understands the impact the hat has on Holden and wants Holden to be happy. Holdenr's red hat is also tied to Allier's red hair. Holden seems to find comfort in the hat since it makes him feel like Allie is still alive and with him while he wears it. Allie had an exceptional personality according to Holden earlier in the novel and Holden uses the hat to reassure himself when he feels morose. While the red hunting hat gives Holden confidence as well as something to differentiate himself from others, Allies baseball glove gives Holden a sense of hope. Allier's baseball glove is covered in poetry written in green ink, it acts as a periapt for Holden. The glove does a great job at representing Holdenr's love for his deceased brother, Allie, as well as his distinctiveness. Allie covered his left-handed glove in poems so he could entertain himself during slow parts of a game is an affecting reminder of his personality. While writing the descriptive composition for Stradlater Holden talks about Allier's glove The thing that was descriptive about it, though, was that he had poems written all over the fingers and the pocket and everywhere He wrote them so hed have something to read when he was in the field and nobody was at bat (Salinger 43). This quote shows how unique and unusual Allie had been. When talking about the baseball mitt we see a gentle side of Holden. Holden does not assimilate why someone so special and wonderful can die the way Allie did. Holden speaks to Allie when he is in emotional distress. The glove is like a talisman to Holden he cherishes it for what it truly is. After Stradlater had returned from the date with Jane he reads the composition and says For Chrissake, Holden This is about a goddam baseball glove?... I went over and pulled it right out of his goddam hand. Then I tore it up (Salinger 47) This exemplifies what the mitt truly means to Holden, and that other people dont necessarily understand how important the topic of it is actually to Holden. Holden became enraged when Stradlater so casually dismissed the glove. Holden feels closer to his brother due to the glove even though he is not around anymore. While the glove is the connection and inspiration that Holden looks to when he is in distress, the Museum of Natural History represents the world Holden wished he lived in. The Museum of Natural History has displays that are frozen and unchangeable, everything is solid and still, every time Holden goes the exhibits are in the same place. As Holden walks towards the museum, he describes the museum as the best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was (Salinger 121). It is portrayed that Holden wishes life was like a museum and did not change. Holden associates the museum with his childhood before Allier's death. Nevertheless, when he arrives at the museum he chose not to enter it. When I got to the museum, all of a sudden I wouldnt have gone inside for a million bucks. It just didnt appeal to me (Salinger 122). It is likely that he does not want to risk having his pure childhood memories ruined by there being change when he walks in. The museum represents safety, childhood, and happiness to Holden. Everything considered it can be said symbolism in The Catcher In The Rye is commonly reflected upon. Holden suffers a loss that ultimately changes his approach towards life and his competency to form any relationships.

Cite this page