The Catcher in the Rye Images, Symbols, Motifs

Image, Symbol, Motif Image—you can picture/see this, it appeals to your senses Symbol—something that represents something else Motif—repetition throughout the novel (rabbits in Of Mice and Men)

Holden’s red hat Holden likes it He feels special Wears it backward Hides behind it/protection Feels better when Phoebe wears it His “people shooting hat” Makes him feel safe

Pencey Prep Phonies Stradlater, Ackley Beginning of his downfall in the text Everyone else respects it—however, he knows otherwise Another example of Holden’s academic trouble

Museums Stability Always stays the same It is a constant Reminds him of childhood, Phoebe Nostalgia—fond memories You change—museum doesn’t

Movies Hates them, but goes to them Actors don’t act Phonies Imagines his life as a movie—getting shot, moving Doesn’t like that DB writes in Hollywood

Unmade phone calls The people Holden calls, he does not really care about – Sally, Faith Afraid of rejection – doesn’t call Jane Doesn’t call his family—afraid of disappointing them

Allie’s Mitt Poems in green ink Stradlater’s essay Represents Allie, connects to his childhood Holden missing Allie Tangible and protected memory of Allie/symbol/memento –it is in Holden’s suitcase in Grand Central Used to “catch”

Erasing Profanity Trying to protect the children Innocence and vulnerability Doesn’t want the children to grow up—wants them to remain innocent Realizes he can’t erase every curse word

The ducks Cares about the ducks Concern for the vulnerable Where would Holden go? He’s been kicked out. Seems childish

“Little Shirley Beans” Record Phoebe’s record Cares for Phoebe When the record breaks, Holden breaks (broken over the loss of Allie/broken childhood ) Phoebe keeps the pieces in her night table—picks up the pieces Holden likes that the singer, Estelle Fletcher, didn’t sound phony

Mummies Museum Stay the same—preserving the past They are dead – they never change Holden’s paper was about Egyptians—tells the kids at the museum about the mummies

The carrousel Makes him feel “so damn happy” Wasn’t depressed anymore Reaches for the gold ring – may fall Phoebe will be ok—even though he wants to protect her--great understanding Symbol of childhood past-time (parents watch you on it) Cyclical