Post 2 - Symbolism

Question: Does the story make use of symbols? If so, do the symbols carry or merely reinforce the meaning of the story?

The Catcher in the Rye makes use of numerous symbols. The most evident and important is Holden’s red hunting hat. This symbol greatly reinforces the idea of individuality, especially when placed in New York City. No one wears large hunting hats in the middle of the city, especially with the flaps down. Holden’s purposeful acknowledgement of not only the presence of the hat, but the fact that he doesn’t care about wearing it, reflects his urge to separate himself from society. However, instead of merely putting the hat on his head, Holden makes a point of mentioning it to the reader, which plays to the irony of his own phoniness. In some sense, his need to wear the hat could be interpreted as a forceful, conscious decision to make himself different. 

Another, more subtle symbol in the story is Holden’s deceased brother Allie. When talking with his sister, Phoebe, she states that Holden doesn’t like anything. Holden simply replies with “I like Allie” (Salinger, 171). Allie becomes a sign of everything that Holden’s highest values - innocence and purity. He becomes the symbol of the ideal person, one that is kind, intelligent, likable, honest and truly genuine. Saligner makes evident that Holden is happiest when he is reminiscing about his times with Allie, and the fact that he is dead provides a justification for Holden’s constant melancholy. This fact also portrays Holden’s feelings about phoniness in society, and brings to life the realization that all young people are corrupted by the adult world.

A main symbol of the story, which resulted in the novel’s title, is the catcher in the rye. The song itself is symbolic of young adulthood, and has a strong sexual undertone. It argues that it is acceptable for adolescents to move into a phase of sexual exploration as a means of growing up. Holden’s interpretation, a catcher in the rye, indicates his desire to stop children from moving on, or “falling” into this whole new world. The symbol also reflects the morality of Holden himself, as he is fully aware of the expectations of the adult world, but still refuses to venture onward. 

These symbols strengthen many ideas and motifs that are present in The Catcher in the Rye, but do not carry them. Ultimately, Holden moves the meaning of the story along. Today, the boy himself is widely regarded as a symbol the teenage angst, and is defining figure surrounding adolescent rites of passage.