The Catcher in the Rye Group

Question:

esperanzadc
esperanzadc
Student
High School - 11th Grade

Why is the symbolism in "The Catcher In The Rye" so effective?

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Posted by esperanzadc on Sunday October 12, 2008 at 9:50 AM and tagged with holden, symbolism, the catcher in the rye, theme.

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  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Symbolism is effective in a story when a symbol points to a theme or major idea. In "Catcher in the Rye", the symbols point directly to a major idea of theme the author is trying to communicate. For example, the natural history museum, which Holden enjoys visiting, points directly to the idea that Holden does not like change. The museum is always the same and one problem Holden has is an inability to change and grow up. His red hunting hat points to the idea that Holden is looking for answers about Allie's death and other questions about life. The ducks in the pong must leave in the winter and become homeless. This also points to the idea that Holden has been left homeless and "frozen out" of his family. Thus Salinger helps point us to the theme by the use of well chosen symbols.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/catcher

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Sunday October 12, 2008 at 10:29 AM