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”

Pencey Prep Phonies Stradlater, Ackley Beginning of his downfall in the text Everyone else respects it—however, he know otherwise

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

Movies Hates them, but goes to them Actors don’t act Phonies

Unmade phone calls The people Holden calls, he does not really care about – Sally, Faith Afraid of rejection – doesn’t call Jane

Allie’s Mitt Poems in green ink Stradlater’s essay Represents Allie, connects to his childhood Holden missing Allie Tangible memory of Allie/symbol/momento

Erasing Profanity Trying to protect the children Innocence and vulnerability Doesn’t want the children to grow up 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.

“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 Symbol of childhood past-time (parents watch you on it) Cyclical