In the Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger uses various examples of symbolism throughout the novel to let the readers into the mind of Holden Caulfield. The red hunting hat stands for Holden's individuality and independence because he believes everyone is phony, he hates being the same as everyone else, and wants to stand out. Holden is told he needs some form of help and by the end of the book, he finds it. Another factor that plays why Holden wears the red hunting hat is because, the color of the hat reminds Holden of Allie’s red hair. While Holden goes through his adventures he wears it for himself and he feels like himself for a change, wearing it; he’s hunting for truth, and he wears it like a catcher.
When Holden explains his story from the beginning, he mentions the red hunting hat he bought from New York City when he got out of the subway. He is proud of buying it yet he is embarrassed to wear it where people can see him.“I put on this hat that I’d bought in New York that morning. It was this red hunting hat, with one of those very, very long peaks” (17). Holden sees himself in the hat as a purpose to stand out from others, …show more content…
“My ears were nice and warm though. That hat I bought had earlaps in it, and I put them on-I didn't give a damn how I looked. Nobody was around anyway. Everybody was in the sack.”(53) He is wearing his hat when he is all alone, and when he puts himself in that situation where he is alone, he alienates himself from everyone else. “Nobody was around anyway” (53) shows how alone he really is. The hat comforts him and he seems to wear the hat when he is cold and when people are lonely and alienated people are out in the cold. “But it was freezing cold, and I took my red hunting hat out of my pocket and put it on-I didn't give a damn how I
When Holden explains his story from the beginning, he mentions the red hunting hat he bought from New York City when he got out of the subway. He is proud of buying it yet he is embarrassed to wear it where people can see him.“I put on this hat that I’d bought in New York that morning. It was this red hunting hat, with one of those very, very long peaks” (17). Holden sees himself in the hat as a purpose to stand out from others, …show more content…
“My ears were nice and warm though. That hat I bought had earlaps in it, and I put them on-I didn't give a damn how I looked. Nobody was around anyway. Everybody was in the sack.”(53) He is wearing his hat when he is all alone, and when he puts himself in that situation where he is alone, he alienates himself from everyone else. “Nobody was around anyway” (53) shows how alone he really is. The hat comforts him and he seems to wear the hat when he is cold and when people are lonely and alienated people are out in the cold. “But it was freezing cold, and I took my red hunting hat out of my pocket and put it on-I didn't give a damn how I