"The Catcher In The Rye" is an exceptional novel that talks about the emotional difficulties that a teenage boy comes across while turning to age.
The internal conflicts of Holden Caulfield was very much vocal throughout the story and serves as evidence of Holden's disturbed psychological state.
He flunked out of school, went to New York, where his family lived, but started living in a hotel instead of going home. He used to explore parts of the city, and especially loved to see the ducks in a lagoon in central park.
However, he went home one day, but met only his younger sister, Pheobe, whom he loved dearly. he informed her that he would go away somewhere else to become a catcher in the rye. In the end though, he does not leave.
Now, lets talk about the symbols. Holden's red hunting hat was a symbol of his individuality - he used to wear it all the time, and it has been mentioned quite a lot of times throughout the story. The ducks in the lagoon was a symbol of isolation and limitations, much like Holden's own life. He had no place to go, no job - nothing. Thirdly, his intention to be a catcher in the rye was actually his desire for stability and security. He wanted to live a decent life in a stable position, instead of tilting at the edge all the time.
I enjoyed reading this highly symbolic and thematic text. Boy! Growing up is really not a child's play!
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