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Catcher In The Rye: Poem Analysis

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In the novel, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield narrates his perspective of his life from the location of a mental hospital. This story takes place in New York where Holden encounters many struggles as he flunks out of another school, Pencey Prep. Salinger’s incorporation of symbolism has a significant meaning to the book as a whole. Giving the novel its name, the symbol of a catcher in the rye directly correlates to Holden Caulfield as he hopes to fulfil his dream of preserving the innocent.
Despite Holden’s lack of effort to achieve success, he possesses this heartwarming quality of love for the innocent and hope that they will succeed. After being kicked out of Pencey Prep, Holden decides to spend three days alone in New York before returning home to his family for Christmas break. While looking back into the past to narrate his life, at many times, Holden describes himself as feeling very depressed and lonely. As Holden roams the streets, he notices a young boy and points out by mentioning “He kept on walking next to the curb and singing ‘If a body catch a body coming through the rye.’ It made me feel better. It made me feel not so depressed anymore” (Salinger, 115). This young, innocent boy gave Holden a sense of happiness that was obtained through this poem by Robert Burns. Surrounding himself with innocent people, not phonies, only brings positive results to Holden. Holden 's special connection with the innocent is revealed through his siblings, Allie and Phoebe. Allie, his brother, died of …show more content…

In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger uses Holden Caulfield to narrate his perspective of life through the voice of a typical teen. The use of key symbols such as the catcher in the rye itself, plays a significant role in developing the importance of innocence. The symbol of a catcher in the rye, directly correlates to Holden Caulfield as he hopes to become the catcher in order to fulfil his dream of preserving the

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