Symbolism in "The Catcher in the Rye"?

Question

I just read J.D. Salinger's famous 1951 novel, "The Catcher in the Rye" and I'm supposed to be looking for symbols or symbolism in the book. I'm not really a "bigger picture" kinda person, I just read the book and take what it says

Anybody wanna help me out here?

: )

Answer 1

That book has tons of d**n symbolism.  I have no clue.  Sparknotes.com has it, but ultimately, it's pretty straightforward.  Basically any object the kid talks about is symbolic.

Answer 2

If we gave you the answers, how will you learn?

Answer 3

You can't read Catcher in the Rye for the whole "insight into the serial killer mind" reason because you'll be thoroughly disappointed. Don't read it expecting an involved, action packed plot because it's ultimately a kid's drunken ramblings for a few days. Read it without any expectations.

One major point of symbolism is the title. Holden wants to be Pheobe's "catcher in the rye" and protect her from all the evils in the world. (reread the section where he explains the catcher in the rye game. Sorry I don't know page numbers). When he visits Pheobe's school to tell her goodbye because he's leaving (running from problems...) he sees the cuss word written on the stairs, and he wipes it off to preserve Pheobe's innocence. She doesn't need to be exposed to such harsh language! Then Holden goes to the bathroom and sees more and more and more profanity. He realizes he cannot protect her from all the bad things in the world. He cannot be her catcher in the rye.

Now you can read the between the lines and apply the symbols...