The Use Of Symbolism In The Catcher In The Rye

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger explores the mind of a mentally ill teenager as the audience views the world through his eyes. Salinger’s novel presents a past account of events that lead up to an ending that leaves the readers mystified. Throughout the narrative, the author displays his use of tone and symbolism to hint at the true meaning of his work. First, the book begins with Holden Caulfield, a delusional seventeen-year-old, recalling his thoughts on what had happened after he is expelled from his school. After failing most of his classes, Holden decides to leave his school early before winter break starts; however, he did not tell his parents about his expulsion. Taking a train to Manhattan, Holden makes his way to a hotel where he will be staying until winter break begins. In his hotel, he calls a stripper named Faith Cavendish, hoping to have sex with her. Despite Faith wanting to meet the next day, Holden quickly hangs up the phone, not feeling like waiting. Holden then goes downstairs to the hotel’s nightclub. He flirts with three older women, proclaiming that he is in love with one of them just because she dances well.

He tells the audience about how he knew her, and how one day they were close to “necking.” Holden then exits his hotel to go to a jazz club and leaves as quickly as when he arrived. Going back to hotel room, the elevator boy tells him about a prostitute that can come to his room for five dollars. Holden agrees and waits in his room for a young woman named Sunny. When she arrives, she starts to take off her dress, but Holden did not want to have sex. Instead, he wants to talk to her. Upset, Sunny leaves and brings back the elevator boy, who punches Holden in the stomach while Sunny takes his money. After the ordeal, Holden goes to