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What Does Holden Symbolize In Catcher In The Rye

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The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger - Book Cover Ducks: Holden asks what happens to the ducks who are normally on a pond in Central Park, when winter comes and the water freezes. Holden asks, "You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South? That little lake? By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it gets all frozen over?” (pg 60) This could reflect Holden’s fear about where he, himself, is going in life, and whether he should leave or adapt to his surroundings. Fish: One response that Holden receives to his questions is that "The fish don't go no place. They stay right where they are, the fish. Right in the goddam lake." (pg 45) Unlike the ducks who are able to leave their troubles behind, the fish cannot escape the freezing lake. The taxi driver later continues to say "They live right in the goddam ice. It's their nature, for Chrissake. They get frozen right in one position for the whole winter." (pg 45) The frozen fish could symbolise the state that Holden is in. He is frozen in childhood and cannot move in this particular season of his …show more content…

“He had poems written all over the fingers and the pocket and everywhere. In green ink. He wrote them on it so that he'd have something to read when he was in the field and nobody was up at bat.” (pg 21) Holden idolises his brother and admires how unique his brother was. Holden rarely shows the mitt to anyone. Presenting his inability to trust people. Suitcase: Suitcases often mean that a person is going on a journey. Throughout the novel Holden is on both a physical and emotional journey. Holden in on a physical journey through new york city but is also on a journey to self discovery. The suitcase is open which implies that a person is not prepared to leave or move. In Holden’s case, he is not ready to move on of from childhood or the death of his brother Allie. NO smoking sticker vs

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