Due to his fear of betrayal, Holden finds comfort in inanimate objects, as he views them as sources of protection from his society. During Holden’s trip to New York with his fencing team, he purchased a red hunting hat that he continuously wears throughout his journey. Despite its ridiculous appearance, Holden admires the hunting hat for its authenticity since it contradicts the fashion standards that his society promotes. Although it was only purchased for one dollar, the hunting hat offered Holden both physical and emotional comfort. During his final narration, Holden explains that the “hunting hat really gave [him] quite a lot of protection, in a way, but [he] got soaked anyway” (Salinger 213). Holden’s hunting hat creates the illusion of
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Although Holden finds temporary closure in his possession, the rain that transcends through the hunting hat is ultimately a metaphor for the reality that Holden strives to avoid, ultimately highlighting that his need to confront adulthood is virtually unavoidable. Furthermore, the physical appearance of the hat reflects Holden’s desire to maintain an idealistic concept of childhood, as he offers the hat to Phoebe in an effort to protect her innocence. Phoebe’s rejection of the present ultimately signifies Holden’s inability to find everlasting closure in inanimate objects, thus proving that he must confront adulthood in order to survive in a society that is constantly changing. In addition to his gravitation towards the red hunting hat, Holden also finds comfort in the Museum of Natural History. While Holden searches for Phoebe in New York, he recounts that he used to frequently visit the museum when he attended elementary school. He recalls that the museum, unlike its visitors, never change, as the same displays are exhibited during every …show more content…
As a result of Allie’s death, Holden loses faith in the adult world and becomes obsessed with the concern of preserving the idealistic concept of childhood. He strives to maintain an Edenic image of purity and innocence, to which he miserably fails, thus suggesting that the transition into adulthood in virtually inevitable. Despite knowing that, Holden continues to perceive adulthood with fear and disgust, as he associates it with corruption and phoniness. Although Holden encounters many adult figures that juxtapose his initial perception of adulthood, his mentality remains the same, as he continually finds fault in everyone that he meets. Due to his fear of social betrayal, Holden is forced to find comfort in inanimate objects, thus isolating him from the remainder of his society. His isolation manifests into a destructive depression, as he begins to perceive suicide as a form of emotional escape. His psychological issues become virtually irreversible, as he loses complete faith in humanity. In The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger highlights the consequences of failing to transition into adulthood through Holden’s lack of maturity and self alienation. Although maturity is a common theme in classic literature, few novels
Although Holden finds temporary closure in his possession, the rain that transcends through the hunting hat is ultimately a metaphor for the reality that Holden strives to avoid, ultimately highlighting that his need to confront adulthood is virtually unavoidable. Furthermore, the physical appearance of the hat reflects Holden’s desire to maintain an idealistic concept of childhood, as he offers the hat to Phoebe in an effort to protect her innocence. Phoebe’s rejection of the present ultimately signifies Holden’s inability to find everlasting closure in inanimate objects, thus proving that he must confront adulthood in order to survive in a society that is constantly changing. In addition to his gravitation towards the red hunting hat, Holden also finds comfort in the Museum of Natural History. While Holden searches for Phoebe in New York, he recounts that he used to frequently visit the museum when he attended elementary school. He recalls that the museum, unlike its visitors, never change, as the same displays are exhibited during every …show more content…
As a result of Allie’s death, Holden loses faith in the adult world and becomes obsessed with the concern of preserving the idealistic concept of childhood. He strives to maintain an Edenic image of purity and innocence, to which he miserably fails, thus suggesting that the transition into adulthood in virtually inevitable. Despite knowing that, Holden continues to perceive adulthood with fear and disgust, as he associates it with corruption and phoniness. Although Holden encounters many adult figures that juxtapose his initial perception of adulthood, his mentality remains the same, as he continually finds fault in everyone that he meets. Due to his fear of social betrayal, Holden is forced to find comfort in inanimate objects, thus isolating him from the remainder of his society. His isolation manifests into a destructive depression, as he begins to perceive suicide as a form of emotional escape. His psychological issues become virtually irreversible, as he loses complete faith in humanity. In The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger highlights the consequences of failing to transition into adulthood through Holden’s lack of maturity and self alienation. Although maturity is a common theme in classic literature, few novels