How Does Holden's Red Hunting Hat Symbolize

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ARSHAWN ARBABI Mrs. Patterson English II (5) 6 December 2023 A Deeper Meaning “No man knows the value of innocence and integrity but he that has lost them” -William Godwin. In the coming-of-age novel by J.D. Salinger The Catcher in the Rye, a young Holden Caulfield wants to make a true and meaningful relationship with someone but struggles to do so as he sees only the negative in the world. So Holden tries to fix this by isolating himself, which causes him to spiral into a deep depression. Then Holden sees someone to help him with his depression, and personal struggles. Throughout the novel, Salinger uses certain symbols to depict Holden’s desire to protect the innocent; however, on a much larger scale, Salinger exemplifies the pain, and difficulty of growing up. …show more content…

After losing the foils for the fencing team, Holden buys the hunting hat “I took off my coat and my tie and unbuttoned my shirt collar, and then I put on this hat that I bought in New York that morning[.] The way I wore it, I swung the old peak way around to the back, very corny, I’ll admit, but I liked it that way” (24). Holden's attraction to the corniness of the hat exemplifies his true self and draws a better picture of the true Holden Caulfield. His hunting hat helps to bring out his true identity, which he fails to show throughout the story. When at the zoo with Phoebe, she does something surprising that catches Holden off guard “She reached into my coat pocket and took out my red hunting hat and put it on my head” (274). When Phoebe gives back Holden’s hat, the author shows the reader that her love for Holden and connection to him makes her the true “catcher in the rye.” Giving the hat to Holden symbolizes her acceptance of him as a person and a brother, and this act of love saves Holden from spiraling further. Holden struggles with his identity and sees the world as

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