By the end of his three-day journey, Salinger associates Holden with symbols suggesting that he may be ready to leave the world of childish dreams and enter the adult world. The first sign of Holden accepting his role as an adult is when he takes Phoebe to the carousel, but sits on the bench. Once arriving, Phoebe goes onto one of the horses and questions Holden when she sees him sit on the bench rather than a horse also. Holden tells her, “maybe I will next time I’ll watch over ya… I’ll be on this bench right over here” (211). By taking a seat on the bench, Holden is taking his position in adulthood. The next sign that Holden is ready to move on is when he talks to Allie and asks for help. Holden pleads, “please don’t let me disappear”
