In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, author J.D. Salinger divulges Holden’s vulnerability, individuality, and self-consciousness though the red hunting hat. Holden purchases the hat while in New York with the fencing team after forgetting the equipment on the subway. This event symbolizes Holden’s vulnerability because the entire team ostracizes him. In addition, Holden becomes defensive about forgetting the equipment, which is demonstrated when he states, “[i]t wasn’t my fault. I had to keep getting up” (3). Holden displays that he is indifferent about the fencing team’s action when he says, “it was pretty funny, in a way,” (3). The red hat expresses unique qualities that represent Holden’s individuality. Holden perceives himself as living
