Baseball Symbolism In Catcher In The Rye

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J.D. Salinger wrote a book about an adolescent boy faced with many problems especially the fear of change and growing up. The title of this book is The Catcher in the Rye. The novel cannot be completely understood or appreciated without comprehension of the symbolism. Symbolism in the novel is extremely significant. In fact, the title is symbolism. Three major examples of symbolism in the novel are the ducks, hunting hat, and Allie’s baseball mitt. The symbolism help create depth and meaning to the plot. The ducks in the lagoon in Central Park are similar to Holden at Pencey. Holden has to leave, but doesn’t know where he belongs. Just like the ducks, he is homeless. Throughout the novel, Holden asks several cab drivers what happens to the ducks, but he never gets an answer. If Holden knew what happens to the ducks and was reassured that they were safe, it would have given him a sense of comfort. Not only do the ducks symbolize Holden’s situation, it symbolizes change. This is important because it is clear that Holden doesn’t like the change of growing up. …show more content…

The hat symbolizes security, protection, and comfort. Whenever Holden is confronted with difficulty, he puts on the hat. The hat unconsciously helps him get through a variety of situations. It is support for him as he struggles to enter the adult world. The hat also makes him feel different from everyday “phonies.” Even the color of the hat is important. Allie and Phoebe, the two people Holden seemed to care the most about, both had red hair. Holden wearing the hat makes him a redhead too. Also, when Holden plans to leave, he gives the hat to Phoebe because he believes that, for some time, it can protect her from the adult world while he

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