Catcher In the Rye Symbols
...the hat, but at the same time very self-conscious and many times won’t wear it in front of people that he knows. The color of the hat is also very symbolic. Red; it’s the color of both Allie’s and Phoebe’s hair. Although Holden never comes out and says it, wearing the hat brings him closer to both Phoebe and Allie. Therefore symbolizing his grievance for the death of his brother. Holden explains to the reader his need to have things remain unchanged. "Certain things they should stay the way they are. You ought to be able to stick them in one of those big glass cases and just leave them alone. I know that's impossible, but it's too bad anyway." (Chapter16, p.122) The Museum of Natural History represents his need to have the things in his life remain unchanged. The exhibits in the museum amaze him because they remain the same every time he sees them. They remain unchanged, the way he wishes for everything in his life to remain unchanged. Holden feels this need unchanged because he is afraid of conflict and wants his life to be simple, he’s terrified of how unpredictable the world is. Holden’s curiosity about the ducks in the Central Park Lagoon shows his youthful side. They also represent the circle of life. The birds leave for the winter and return in spring every year. Every year it’s the same routine, it’s the circle of life. They also prove to Holden that some thing...