What Is The Theme Of Symbolism In Catcher Of The Rye

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There are many novels that are written with a purpose like “ the Catcher of The Rye, “ by J.D. Salinger. Salinger purpose was to show teens that stressing out over things is not the solution, it's okay to make mistakes. He started out with a character named Holden, who has been recently kicked out of Pencey Prep and slow introduces the anxiety he has of becoming an adult. Holden’s absence of adulthood cause him to do wrong decisions because he doesn't think of the effects it will do to his life. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher of The Rye approached his theme with symbolism which led to the theme of you can’t always be innocent to the world.

The title “ The Catcher of the Rye,” was created because later on in the story the words “Catcher” …show more content…

Holden does not have knowledge that in the process of growing up, there are always risks and obstacles. The author explains “She went and got on the carousel..watched her go around and around...All the kids kept trying to grab the gold ring...afraid she will fall off...they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it...they fall,they fall… bad if you say anything.” (211) Holden comes to a comprehension that his dream of being “ the catcher of the rye,” has a flaw of protecting the children. A carousel embodies a safe place and the happiness the children pride in. When Phoebe goes after the golden ring which represents hope, makes Holden notice that kids need to take risks in order to mature. Your parents will not always be there by your side to help you and protect you. Holden’s hatred toward adulthood is powerful enough that he was not able to see deep into it. Towards the end of the story Holden explains “..I felt so damn happy…the way she kept going around and around, in her blue coat and all.” (213) A carousel goes around and around meaning that life keeps repeating till you make a mistake that will take you off the route to triumph and if you fix, then you are successful. This carousel is an acceptable example of accomplishment because it keeps going around till a child falls and realizes their mistake, this leads to thinking outside the box to achieve. Holden

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