Symbols and motifs

Symbols and motifs

The Catcher in the Rye is full of symbols and motifs. They help to develop themes and to keep consistency throughout the novel.

Holden's red hunting hat

Holden's red hunting hat is most likely a representation of Holden's uniqueness and individuality. Ackley tells Holden that the hat is a 'deer shooting hat' (p19), consider how out of place this hat would be in fashionable New York City. As the hat is a representation of Holden's individuality it is also tied into his personality. This is particularly true when he tells Ackley that it is 'a people shooting hat' (p19) implying that he criticises or shoots people down, or perhaps simply that he feels antagonistic towards humans. Further, Holden often wears the hat backwards - this is significant as it is the catcher in baseball who wears his hat backwards. You could also argue that the colour red represents his anger and turbulence.

You will need to decide upon the reason for Holden giving Phoebe his hat. Is he giving Phoebe a memento so that she can remember him as the individual that he is? Is Holden finally casting off his childhood or the violence and alienation that the hat represents? Is Holden inadvertently signalling the fact that Phoebe's growth into an adult is inevitable?

Ducks in the pond

This is a motif that runs throughout the novel. Holden often muses about where the ducks in a Central Park lagoon go when the lagoon freezes over. It is a significant symbol because, while it might seem to be a relatively childish thing to ponder, the situation of the ducks closely mirrors the situation that Holden feels he is in. Holden feels as though, as Mr Antolini astutely puts it, he was 'looking for something [his] own environment couldn't supply [him] with.' (p169) The idea of the migration of the ducks mirrors Holden's frequent, erratic resolutions to leave New York to find greener pastures elsewhere.

Allie's baseball mitt

Allie's baseball mitt is a very personal object for Holden. The mitt is particularly significant for Holden as it is covered with the poetry that Allie used to write on it when he became disinterested in the baseball game that he was playing. Holden keeps the mitt very close and explains to the reader that Jane 'was the only one, outside my family, that I ever showed Allie's baseball mitt to' (p70). A surprising aspect about the mitt is that Holden reveals it to Stradlater through the composition that he writes for him. This might be a sign that he is trying to reach out to someone. Stradlater rejects his composition, incapable of seeing the poetic beauty behind it and Holden tears the composition up.

Museum

The museum is symbolically important to Holden. He claims that 'The best thing...in the museum was that everything always stayed right where it was.' (p109) and this indicates that Holden likes the museum because it does not change and as such represents his ideals. Holden does admit that 'the only thing that would be different would be you' (p109) but limits these thoughts to the subtle and superficial changes of childhood. He limits these changes to such things as having a substitute teacher, or having passed a 'gasoline rainbow' (p110). Holden will not explore the concept of how 'you' might change any more deeply than this, claiming that even if he could explain exactly what he means he is 'not sure I'd feel like it.' (p110). Eventually he finds that, unwilling to face his changes he 'wouldn't have gone inside for a million bucks' (p110).

When Holden does re-enter the museum, when he is supposed to say goodbye to Phoebe, he takes great care in taking two boys to see the Egyptian exhibit. He tells them how they should know about the Egyptians, which is in strong contrast with the essay that he had written for Mr Spencer. While there, he becomes all too aware of the changes in the museum, especially the addition of profane graffiti. For Holden, the museum has changed.

Language

Holden uses the same words over and over again. The novel has been banned, particularly in America for its discussion of sex as well as Holden's use of bad language. Remember that at the time 'goddam' was considered to be seriously offensive language. Notice that, while at Pencey Prep, most of the characters use swear words, while in the adult world Holden is quite often chided for his use of bad language. It is interesting that it is in the prep school, amongst adolescents, where this language is acceptable. It is perhaps an attempt at rebellion or of feeling more mature.

Another word frequently used by Holden is 'old'. He uses this in front of almost every characters name. The effect of this is to firstly imply superiority and familiarity on Holden's part.