The Catcher in the Rye-Holdens red hunting hat symbol.

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The Catcher in the Rye essay

        In the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, a major symbol developed in the novel is Holden Caulfield’s red hunting hat. Holden’s red hunting hat is a symbol to a few themes in the novel. The red hunting hat represents innocence in a big way. Furthermore, the hunting hat represents Holden’s uniqueness to the world. The hunting hat is a very important symbol and represents Holden’s personality greatly.

        Holden Caulfield’s red hunting hat is a symbol of Holden’s desire of innocence. An important characteristic to notice is the color of the hat, which is red. Holden’s deceased brother Allie had red hair, and Allie was viewed by Holden to be the model of innocence. “People with red hair are supposed to get mad very easily, but Allie never did, and he had very red hair” (38). In addition, Holden makes it known that he has gray in his hair. “And I have quite a bit of gray hair” (57). Gray hair is usually a symbol of growing up and getting older. The times in which Holden wears his hat symbolize his desire for innocence as well. Holden does not wear his hat when out at bars or on dates, for it is obvious he needs to act older. Yet, usually when Holden is alone and journeying, he puts on his red hat (covering his gray hair) and in a way, hunts for innocence. Holden puts on his hat often when he is by himself and leaving somewhere, as if he is always going back to find his innocence.

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        Another symbol of the red hunting hat is Holden’s desire to be unique and keep his individuality. Not many people will walk down the street wearing a red hunting hat, especially the way Holden wears it. Holden always wore the hat a certain way. “I put my red hunting hat on, and turned the peak around to the back, the way I like it…” (52). Holden always put his hat on this way, showing he is clearly different from the world. Usually when Holden is wearing his hat he tends to reject people, or has just previously rejected them. “‘This ...

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