In “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, Holden...

In â€Å"Catcher in the Rye† by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield’s red hunting hat a symbol. A symbol represents and idea, belief, image or object. This hat helps us see and witness Holden’s journey from childhood to adulthood. Holden Caulfield’s red hunting hat is a symbol that represents the struggle between isolation and human contact, protection, link to innocence and growth as his story unfolds. Though it is a bumpy ride, its a ride we will all take. Though Holden seems like he hates society, he also wants to connect with someone. This struggle is the main-conflict in the book. The hat’s unusual appearance allows him to be separated from the post-modern society and the phonies within. While holding skips Pencey’s game versus†¦show more content†¦Holden believes Phoebe and Allie as children-innocence that comes with being a child. Holden tries to connect with them and that the only way to be a child is to be innocent. The hat is like a linker, connecting Holden to different people and things. Allie’s death completely changed Holden past and the hat, once again acting as a link connects past to present. Holden treats Allie as if he is still alive. Holden’s hunting hat represent many things( protection, isolation...) but ultimately it leads to one thing, his growth. Holden acts like a child for most of his story. We catch glimpses of him growing but truly he evolves at the end. While Phoebe is at the carousel he realizes that you have to give up things to keep the people you love happy. He concedes that hat to Phoebe, the hat that has protection him from evil itself. He stepping out of himself and sacrificing something for your loved. He finally understands that you have to let kids â€Å" fall† in order for them to get back up. He realizes that growing up is all part of life and everyone is bound to do it sometime. J.D. Salinger writes this novel and the beauty of it is that it can be applied to anybodies life. As I applied it to mine, it caused me to see my own faults that I was too blind to see. Just like Holden’s phoniness, he points out others but cannot see his own. In addition, I have also realized that I have not reached adulthood and that is okay because everyone reaches it at a