Holden Caulfield Symbolism

Throughout The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger used many symbols to represent different parts of Holden’s life. A symbol in literature is often defined as an abstract idea conveyed through an object. Symbolism allows authors to convey ideas to their readers in an indirect and engaging way, It often makes the story more interesting and complex. During the novel Salinger used the term “catcher in the rye” to symbolize Holden’s longing to preserve and protect childhood innocence for every kid, but specifically his younger sister. A “Catcher in the Rye” is somebody who saves children from falling off a cliff. The symbol of the catcher in the rye contributes to the overall meaning of the novel of preserving innocence.
The first in the book when

Holden stated, “While I was sitting down, I saw something that drove me crazy. Somebody’d written “F*** you” on the wall. It drove me damn near crazy. I thought how Phoebe and all the other little kids would see it, and how they’d wonder what the hell it mean, and then finally some dirty kid would tell them-all cockeyed, naturally- what it meant, and how they’d think about it and maybe even worry about it for a couple days”(Salinger 221). Holden is mad because just when he thought that he was doing a great job at preserving a childhood innocence this one thing just had to jump out and ruin his entire operation. He doesn’t want his sister and her friends to live the life that he had to because it was so miserable. He didn’t want their innocence to be washed away at such a young age like him, but one kid is all it takes to ruin it for somebody. This shows that Holden really does care about his role as the catcher in the rye and that preserving innocence is what truly makes him

The carousel itself symbolizes the innocence and playfulness of childhood. While she is riding it Holden explains, “All the kids kept trying to grab for the gold ring, and so was old Phoebe, and I was sort of afraid she’d fall off the goddam horse, but I didn’t say anything or do anything. The thing with kids is, if they want to grab the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them”(Salinger 232). Holden is stepping back from his role of catcher in the rye. He realizes that protecting children’s innocence will not help them succeed in life. You need to let children make mistakes because if they don’t they will never grow up and learn from those mistakes. Letting kids make mistakes isn't a bad thing, it teaches them to grow and learn so they are prepared for their