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...ng of innocence. He believes that if a child can be saved from the cruel world and things in it, they will be spared. Another thing in this journey is that he is looking for an ideal, but un-human love that will meet all demands. This means that he will have a love for everyone that is unconditional and that he will recieve love from everyone else. Finally, the most important task, is the search for an identity. He is constantly trying to find his true self amongst all the evils of the world. Later on, Holden realizes he can achieve none of this (Unger 555). The family is really not emphasized much in the context of this book. Holden does not ever look to his family for help with his struggles or for guidance along the way. Although he does mention his two brothers D.B. and Allie, the only member he connects with is his younger sister, Phoebe. They seem to share a common bond that links them to each other. His parents never really offer him the ?shelter? that he is looking for. He is constantly searching for someone or something to turn to when he needs help, but considers none of his family members (Magill, Critical...2935). Holden?s parents are considered wealthy and provide him with expensive, top of the line luggage. Their only flaw mentioned is that they are too busy and do not understand him. There is much irony scattered throughout Holden?s story. One example is how, from the very beginning of the novel, he tells of key things that he detests, like when people repeat things constantly over and over. He does not realize that right after he says this, he contradicts himself and does the things he says he hates. It is also ironic how Holden despises his roommate, Stradlater. He is always complaining about what a phony that he is and how he is a secret slob. Yet, at some points, Holden comments that he would not mind being like him. His cruelty toward others and his frustration over his own mistakes just mix together (Lieder 2). Symbolism is another theme that runs throughout the novel. Holden has a dream that one day he can be the ultimate protector of all children. He wants to save these children from being exposed to the evil world we live in. His dream is counterbalanced by a feeling of falling that he always gets. These two things seem to meet in his idea of a perfect world and everything always stays the same (Unger 557). Time is also used as a type of symbolism. The setting of the novel is in the cold, and in the middle of winter. Time to celebrate Christmas, the ending of one year and awaiting of another in a time of expiration. Holden?s story is one of death to his adolescent self and a rebirth to a new refreshed and mature Holden (Unger 556). This book can also be seen as a growing process. At the beginning, he is immature and then as he approaches adulthood, he starts to get nervous and worried of what lies ahead (Magill, Critical...2935). The world is also used in expressing symbolism. ...