Table of Contents
Symbolism
Prep School
The image of the prep school embodies all of Holden’s attitudes. The prep school veneer of perfection that conceals a world of inconsistency and hypocrisy is the primary symbol of all of Holden’s attitudes. Even the way the schools are advertised are a lie to Holden. Holden explains that Pencey Prep shows a guy riding a horse performing great feats of equestrian prowess, while Holden states that he has never even seen a horse at Pencey Prep.
The schools claim to transform boys into ideal men, when in fact they are filled with bullies and liars like Holden’s roommate Stradlater who has Holden write his English theme paper. Stradlater appears as the perfect prep school student, while he is a womanizing cheat. He succeeds because he is good looking and charismatic. These qualities as all a matter of appearance over authenticity. The prep school is the image of this antagonism.
Allie’s baseball glove
The baseball glove is a symbol of Holden’s attachment to his deceased brother. What is more, the glove functions as a general symbol of loss. Allie wrote poems in green ink on the glove so he could read them on the field when he was bored. This stands out as an image of real and legitimate feeling for Holden, authentic feeling that is lost now.
Holden’s red hunting cap
This small item is an expression of individuality to Holden. Precisely because it is not fashionable Holden believes it is a real expression of who he is inside. The authenticity he ascribes to the hat is mocked by Ackley and this reveals Holden’s tenuous belief even in his own ideals.
Key Facts
The novel first appeared as short stories in Collier’s Magazine, December 1945, and in The New Yorker, December 1946.
Often referred to as a “coming of age novel,” the book nevertheless resists that description to the extent that the primary conflict in the novel involves Holden Caulfield’s inability to actually come of age.
J.D. Salinger wrote a series of short stories after the publication of Catcher in the Rye. These were met with critical disdain and Salinger became a recluse. Even as his book became more of a popular and critical hit, Salinger removed himself further from the public. He died in 2010 leaving hints that he had continued to write.
Catcher in the Rye is one of the most challenged novels in American literatures. It has been banned for being part of a communist plot, for the frequent use of profanity, and for sexual situations. Unfortunately for those who have sought to ban the novel, this notoriety as done nothing but drive continued interest in the book and partly boosted its continued popularity with readers.