Symbolism in "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. salinger

Symbolism in The Catcher in the Rye

Throughout the novel, the reader is presented with various symbols. The symbols ar clearly made evident by Holdens constant repeating of their importance. The symbols are so important and their symbolism is directly related to to the major themes of the novel.

Allie, Holdens young brother who died several years earlier, was a key symbol throughout the story. When Holden remembers incidents from his past involving Allie, his attitude changes, such(prenominal) as when he writes the composition about Allies baseball boxing glove or when Holden broke his hand later on punching all of the windows after Allie died. He feels that Allie was unity of the few people who were not pretender in a humanity full of phonies. More importantly, Allie represents the honor and childhood that Holden strives to find throughout his multi-day journey. In Holdens opinion, Allie represents the purity that Holden looks for in the world. Holden admits that he admires Allie more than he admires Jesus, and even prays to Allie at one point, rather than Jesus. Allie is Holdens role model, whom he judges the rest of the world according to. When Allie dies, it creates turbulence in Holdens life.

At various points during the course of the novel, Holden inquires as to what happens to the ducks who are normally on a pond in Central Park, when winter comes and the water freezes. As he inquires, the answers he receives range from as farfetched answers as the idea that the ducks alleviate remain there under the ice, just as the lean do, to uncaring answers such as a simple What a stupid question! remark. Despite the answer he gets, Holden is never satisfied with the reply. Holden doesnt consciously realize that the ducks relate to him. Whether he pass on admit...

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