Symbols in The Catcher in the Rye

One of the most important symbols found in The Catcher in the Rye is the actual catcher in the rye. It is the source of the books title, and makes its first appearance towards the middle of the novel. Holden is singing the Robert Burns song 'Comin' Thro' the Rye' and is walking in the street instead of on the sidewalk. A kid walking by admires Holden for this, because he is quirky and being an individual. The symbol appears again several chapters later when Phoebe asks Holden what he would like to do with the rest of his life. Holden responds with what he believes the song is about, saying that he pictures a rye field on top of a big cliff with children playing in it, and that he wants to keep the children from falling over the cliff and dying, because he thinks the lyric is 'if a body catch a body comin' through the rye' when the real lyric reads 'if a body meet a body, comin' through a rye'. Despite his misinterpretation, this is a symbol that Holden really does want to help people, and that he has compassion although he does not often show it. It is also a symbol of how Holden does not understand a lot of the world around him.

One other symbol found in the book is Holden's distinct red hunting cap. The unique cap represents Holden himself- it is one of a kind and individual, just like he is. Holden wishes to be different from all of the people around him, and is quirky hat is one way of expressing that wish and making it come true. But the hat is also a source of discomfort of Holden. He does wear it when he knows he will come across people he knows, and always make a point to mention that hat when he is wearing it. This hat is also a symbol for Holden's internal conflict, the need for isolation vs. the need for companionship and interaction with others.