Catcher in the Rye Symbolism

Growing up--the process of going from childhood into adulthood. Holden views this concept as "phoniness." The process of growing up plays an important role in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Out of all the symbols in the book, the ducks in the Central Park pond are the most important because they represent the world the way that Holden views it. The pond is "partly frozen, and partly not frozen" which shows the in-between period of childhood and adulthood--this symbolizes what Holden's experiencing in his life. The ducks have to flee because it freezes from the outer ends into the center. This sort of pressure represents Holden's life closing in on him, forcing him to move from place to place. There is no way the ducks can stay in the pond in the winter, much like how Holden has been kicked out Pencey and doesn't know where to go next. A frozen pond symbolizes the never-ending, vicious cycle of Holden's life as he has been kicked out of four schools and doesn't have anywhere to call "home." Holden's boyish interest in the ducks reveal a childlike side to him, unlike the adult he's struggling to be. Throughout the book, Holden tries to makes the reader see him as a manly-man who only cares about having sex and drinking. The ducks allow the reader to see the other side of his character that he usually covers up. His curiosity about the ducks proves that he appreciates mystery. Thus, the ducks in the pond reveal Holden's character as more than just a hard and emotionless teenager. Even though Holden usually seems unmotivated, his childlike side yearns for adventure. The ducks also symbolize Holden's life because they are able to survive in such terrible, unaccommodating conditions. Holden can also connect the ducks in the pond to his brother, Allie's death. Like many animals, ducks migrate in the winter and return during springtime, leaving the pond empty during the time in-between. This proves that leaving can be temporary and necessary. Change such as disappearance has really frightened Holden since his brother's death. Since the ducks return though, Holden realizes that change isn't always definite like Allie's death. The symbolism of the ducks mirrors Holden's life in many ways. They also reveal another, more childlike, side of him.

...