Topic: “How Salinger uses Holden’s red hunting hat as a means of disassociating Holden from adulthood, a reminder to Holden of his deceased brother, Allie, and as a symbol of safety in times of vulnerability.”
1. Detail: “I bought [this red hunting hat] in New York that morning… I saw it in the window of this sports store… just after I noticed I’d lost all the goddamn foils.” (p 17)
Effect: This is the first time the reader is introduced to Holden’s beloved red hat. He purchases it just after he has done something irresponsible – he left the foils for his fencing team on the subway. By Salinger’s mentioning of Holden’s failing to do a simple “goddamn” task, the reader can denote that Holden is feeling flustered and is in a state of emotional vulnerability. In this moment, the stage is set for the hat’s performance in the novel: to provide Holden with consolation and a sense of security throughout the course of the novel.
2. Detail: “[I] took a last look down the goddamn corridor. I was sort of crying. I don’t know why. I put my red hunting hat on, and turned the peak around to the back, the way I liked it, and then yelled at the top of my goddamn voice ‘Sleep tight, ya morons!’…Then I got the hell out.” (p 52) …show more content…
The reader can tell he is in a heightened state of emotion because he “was sort of crying.” Also, Salinger’s repetition of the word “goddamn” expresses Holden’s anger and frustration at his current situation; getting “the ax” from yet another prep school, and being a constant disappointment to his family. This moment is significant because he puts on his red hunting hat as he commences a journey which can be seen as a hunt for himself. Once again, the hat makes an appearance in a time when Holden is emotionally vulnerable, and he needs a form of
1. Detail: “I bought [this red hunting hat] in New York that morning… I saw it in the window of this sports store… just after I noticed I’d lost all the goddamn foils.” (p 17)
Effect: This is the first time the reader is introduced to Holden’s beloved red hat. He purchases it just after he has done something irresponsible – he left the foils for his fencing team on the subway. By Salinger’s mentioning of Holden’s failing to do a simple “goddamn” task, the reader can denote that Holden is feeling flustered and is in a state of emotional vulnerability. In this moment, the stage is set for the hat’s performance in the novel: to provide Holden with consolation and a sense of security throughout the course of the novel.
2. Detail: “[I] took a last look down the goddamn corridor. I was sort of crying. I don’t know why. I put my red hunting hat on, and turned the peak around to the back, the way I liked it, and then yelled at the top of my goddamn voice ‘Sleep tight, ya morons!’…Then I got the hell out.” (p 52) …show more content…
The reader can tell he is in a heightened state of emotion because he “was sort of crying.” Also, Salinger’s repetition of the word “goddamn” expresses Holden’s anger and frustration at his current situation; getting “the ax” from yet another prep school, and being a constant disappointment to his family. This moment is significant because he puts on his red hunting hat as he commences a journey which can be seen as a hunt for himself. Once again, the hat makes an appearance in a time when Holden is emotionally vulnerable, and he needs a form of