The Catcher in the Rye Blog 7

J.D. Salinger uses the techniques of symbolism and humor to engage the audience and make The Catcher in the Rye an effective novel.  Humor is an important part of literature; it can break up tense moments in the reading and keep the reader interested through dull sections.  Salinger seemed to be a fan of dry humor, as Holden seems to only think things that he does are funny.  “My hand still hurts me once in a while when it rains and all, and I can't make a real fist any more – not a tight one, I mean – but outside of that I don't care much. I mean I'm not going to be a goddam surgeon or a violinist or anything anyway” (Salinger 39).  This is the sort of humor that Salinger chose to use; it is not really that funny, but it keeps the reader interested all the same.  Sarcasm seemed to be one of Holden’s strongest traits.  He liked to twist around words and make others feel inferior to him.  Symbolism is all over the place in The Catcher in the Rye.  Three symbols that are repeated multiple times are the ducks in the lagoon, Holden’s red hunting hat, and of course the “catcher in the rye”.  Holden seemed to be obsessed with the question of where the ducks in the Central Park lagoon went during the winter.  This symbol has some deep meaning to Holden’s own problems.  The ducks represent the change that time brings, but the change is not permanent because life returns the next year.  This shows to Holden that change will occur, but life will still go on and eventually make it back to normal.  The red hunting hat travels with Holden throughout his time in New York.  This hat symbolizes his desire to be a unique individual.  This hat represents his tendency of isolation versus his need of companionship.  The Catcher in the Rye symbolizes Holden’s desire to protect others from dealing with the same things that he has during his childhood. 

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown and, 1991. Print.