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

world, the adult world. The world compiled of various difficulties, struggles, and complications.

Another reason why ‘the catcher in the rye,’ is the most vital symbol is it reveals knowledge of Holden’s desires in life.

‘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

on.

The last reason why ‘the catcher in the rye,’ is a vital symbol is because it typifies one of the core themes of the entire novel. In Holden’s journey throughout the book, he goes through romance and deprivation of innocence, like the events occurring in the Robert Burns poem. Holden craves to shield kids from forfeiting their innocence. Holden realizes that he can’t save, avert, and/or prohibit his relations with others but must learn to join, help, and assist. Holden’s misquotation represents his desire to behave charitably. But, the novel arises the fundamental question of whether or not he achieves that desire or not.
In brief, there are numerous symbols throughout the novel ‘The Catcher In The Rye,’ by J.D. Salinger. Holden’s dream of becoming ‘the catcher in the rye,’ is the most vital symbol in the novel. Holden seeks to aid people by preserving the chastity and virtue of kids. He wants to insulate children from the horrors of society and life that he thinks is detrimental, toxic, and full of phonies. Holden Caulfield imagines he can guard children and their virginity of heart. These are the reasons why Holden’s dream of becoming ‘the catcher in the rye,’ is the most vital symbol in the novel.