Holden Caulfield Symbolism

There are numerous symbols throughout the novel ‘The Catcher In The Rye,’ by J.D. Salinger. The symbols come together as a whole and go hand in hand. They were placed to create themes and tie the knot for the ending of the book. A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. Though, countless symbols portray Holden Caulfield’s desires, feelings, and personality, I deduce that there is only one symbol that proves more pertinent than all the others. Holden’s dream of becoming ‘the catcher in the rye,’ is the most vital symbol in the novel for many reasons.

One reason why ‘the catcher in the rye,’ is the most vital symbol throughout the novel is it reveals information about Holden’s future plans. As claimed by Holden, ‘the catcher in the rye,’ signifies, a protector of younger kids. When Holden talks with Phoebe, he tells her he would save children and return them to the rye if they saunter too close to the brink of the cliff. Holden explains that he will be on the cliff awaiting anyone who roams too close to the edge. After speaking with Phoebe, Holden realizes getting older and growing up is bound to happen, it’s inevitable. Holden wants to prevent children from growing up and prevent them from falling over the edge of the cliff into the real

‘The catcher in the rye is a quotation from a poet, Robert Burns. Holden misquotes the poem as “If a body catch a body comin’ thro’ the rye,” when it’s “If a body meet a body comin’ thro’ the rye”. This misquotation is symbolic because it unveils Holden’s need, desire, and impulse to defend and save children and people in general. He wants to help stop children from plunging to the idiocy of the adult universe. Once Holden is presented by the misquotation, he doubts the clarity of the world and his life, and battles it head