The Catcher in the Rye free essay sample

The Catcher in the Rye Like any good artist, authors must leave room for interpretation in their work. Symbolism provides readers with a chance to read between the lines and further interpret the literature. J. D. Salinger creates depth in his novel, The Catcher in the Rye, through the use of symbolism. By looking deeper into the symbols of the novel readers understand the true message he wishes to convey. The novel contains many symbols which give insight into Holdens views and feelings; these symbols include Holdens hunting hat, his fascination with the duck pond, and the use of the title The Catcher in the Rye. Holdens hunting hat is a distinct part of his identity as a character. Holden frequently wears the hat, despite its different and unconventional appearance. The hat stands for Holdens uniqueness and individuality. The bright red color of the hat also serves as a symbol. We will write a custom essay sample on The Catcher in the Rye or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When Holden remembers Allie he often talks about his bright red hair. He also connects this color to Phoebe, who shares the same hair color. Holden uses the hat as a symbol of his siblings that he loves dearly. He wears the hat as a way to feel connected to them. Phoebe knows the importance of the hat and gives it back to Holden even though she thinks he will leave her. Then what she did-it damn near killed me-she reached in my coat pocket and took out my red hunting hat and put it on my head(Salinger 274). Holdens hat concretely represents him, whereas the pond more symbolically represents his youth and fear of change. The frozen pond and the migration of the ducks symbolize many things. Holdens curiosity about the duck pond shows his inner youth. Like a child, he constantly questions where the ducks go during winter. I was thinking about the lagoon in Central Park I was wondering if it would be frozen over when I got home, and if it was, where did the ducks go (Salinger 18)? The ducks leave every winter but return in the summer; this shows him that nothing remains permanent. Ever since Allies death Holden fears change and disappearance. The constant changing of the pond and ducks show how not even trauma lasts forever, life continues. The pond is not the only symbol representing youth, the title The Catcher in the Rye symbolizes youths innocence. Holden says he wants to be The Catcher in the Rye, meaning he wants to protect the innocence of youth. I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye And Im a standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff (Salinger 224). This represents how he wants to protect children from falling out of innocence. Holden views the adult world as completely phony and harsh. This causes him to want to save ch ildren, such as his sister, from these harsh realities. Considering the title, the symbol of holden as the catcher in the rye serves as the most important symbol in he novel. Evidence throughout the novel shows Salinger put great emphasis on the title as a symbol. Through analyzing the symbols of Holdens hat, his curiosity about the duck pond, and him as the catcher in the rye, readers obtain an in depth view on him as a character. These symbols give readers a deeper insight into the many messages Salinger conveys in the novel. They also provide readers with proof of the unique complexity of The Catcher in the Rye. Salinger put the symbols in the novel to allow room for individual interpretation. In return this makes the novel all the more intriguing and much more appealing to the reader. The Catcher in the Rye free essay sample An analysis of J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye focusing on Holden Caulfield, the main character in the novel. The following paper examines how the character of Holden Caulfield still reminds us that cynicism and self-doubt are not characteristics that are proprietary to adults. The writer examines how teen-age Holden is cynical, defiant, and blind to what is actually going on around him, yet to the very end of the novel he continues to berate the phoniness of others, particularly adults. The irony of Holdens seeing the faults and foibles of others while not being able to recognize them in himself is Salingers comment on the way society views the human condition . This paper discusses how society always views the human condition as the other guy. The novel begins with Holden proving this point: Were introduced to Holden by his telling us that he doesnt want to talk about his lousy childhood he doesnt feel like going into it (Salinger 1). We will write a custom essay sample on The Catcher in the Rye or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Holden is self-destructing but doesnt realize it because hes so intent on blaming everyone else for his problems. These psychological battles within Holdens own head serve as the basis for critical argument. As we read and learn more about Holdens situation, we must accept that society does indeed fail us because the finger is always pointed toward someone other than ourselves, whether its to help someone in need or accept that we ourselves need help. Holdens character has sometimes been criticized for possessing the same characteristics he abhors in other people, but that, as I see it, is the point he is a teenager and as such, rather self-centered. He doesnt choose to see that the very qualities he finds fault with in other people.