The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The protagonist of the story The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield, presents a direct perspective of his life revealing his complex character. Through a more psychoanalytic lens, one can see that Holden suffers from depression likely evoked by the death of his younger brother, Allie. Holden also tends to have this pattern of behavior, calling others “phony”, wanting to leave the city for a better life, and failing his classes, which coincides with his depression. And the type of people who are the phoniest of them all to him are adults. Much of Holden’s depressing character is symbolized by the objects that he recalls in the story.

Firstly, the hunting hat Holden buys shows the childish side of his personality, which he isn’t too shy about. The curious hat symbolizes what makes him different from the adult phonies. Holden also is able to hold onto the hat throughout the story, also symbolizing how he clings onto the childhood memories he shared with Allie. Growing up seems to be one of Holden’s greatest fears, and his hat truly embodies his wish to hold onto his trivial and simplistic childhood which in some way protects him. However, Holden initially seemed a bit embarrassed to wear the hat, wanting to be accepted by society, and more specifically his peers. This sort of gives him these mixed feelings ending with the feeling of depression.

Secondly, the museum Holden visits just about every year, also contributes to his depression. What is featured in the museum had remained the same since his first visit. The only thing that does change inside the museum are the people. The museum symbolizes how he can’t live life frozen in time, and that he’ll eventually have to to grow up. He also comes to another conclusion when at the museum, and that is there is no time machine or miracle that can ever bring back Allie.

Lastly, the merry-go-round symbolizes the constant positive progression in life that never really occurs. Life is never always straightforward and in one direction like the merry-go-round. It also seems to show how much Holden refuses to transition from a child to an adult. The simple motion of it prevents Holden from setting foot onto a more difficult and complex life of an adult. Also, the merry-go-round being a beloved children’s toy, and Holden seeing the joy of childhood/adolescence with his sister on the ride for one last time makes him truly feel the joy of being happy. In that scene he finally feels happy because he lets go of his fears of dying and maturing to just experience something going on in his life. With that he also doesn’t feel the need to save others from losing their innocence as well. He then on doesn’t let his depression of losing Allie dominate his life, coming to the realization that maturing won’t only make him phony and bring more conflict, but bring him closer to others allowing him to better connect with society.