Symbolism In Catcher In The Rye

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In the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger involves many symbols and motifs that help understand more about Holden, the main character in the book, and who he is. The motif that stands out the most in the book are the ducks in central park. The ducks help us understand that Holden doesn't want to grow up, he wants to stay a little innocent child. There are more than one example of symbols that show the innocent side of Holden. Holden is a little kid at heart and he wants to keep it that way. One thing that children do is ask questions like ‘why is the skye blue?’ Holden says to the cab driver “You know those ducks in that lagoon…. By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it gets all frozen over?”(60). This is showing how innocent Holden is while in the book he usually acts like a crotchety old man. Holden talks about the ducks leaving. Every year they leave but, they always return. Holden has an issue with abandonment, this is why when ducks disappear he feels like he they left and are not returning. He is curious to know by saying “The ducks. Do y...

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