Theme Of Symbolism In Catcher In The Rye

Catcher in the Rye Symbolism There is no doubt that adolescence is a fairly difficult and confusing time period. Between the mixed emotions and the difficulty of being understood, it’s very frustrating. In the novel Catcher in the Rye by JD salinger, this is a big theme that is that is expressed throughout the entire book by the protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Growing up is a very difficult and confusing time that leads to a loss of innocence which many adolescents try to prevent by rasping onto childhood. Throughout the novel, there is a lot of evidence provided to support this theme. Towards the end of the end of the story, Holden’s sister, Phoebe, is riding a carousel while he waits in the rain. Phoebe is playing a game where she is trying to grab a gold ring, but Holden is worried that she will fall off. As he watches her ride, he thinks, “The thing with kids is, if you want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it and not say anything.” (pg.211). This shows that Holden is finally realizing how life goes on, and if those kids have a dream (what the ring symbolizes), then you got to let them go on their own. He again comes to more realization when he thinks, “ If they fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them.” (pg.211). Again he understands that life goes on with ups and downs, but you to move on your

Through the novel Catcher in the Rye and an article describing this theme, it is very apparent that childhood is the most important of life that teens don’t want to let go of. Between its simplicity and protection from the adult world, it is tried to be kept on to through symbolism in Catcher in the Rye and through the mentality and maturity of adolescents. Growing up might not be the easiest thing to face in life, but it will be even harder if you try to hold onto your childhood