Symbolism in "Catcher in the Rye"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how "Catcher in the Rye" is a moving book filled with symbolism to convey Holden's manic depression fueled by the death of his brother Allie. It explores how Salinger uses characters to symbolize Holden's confused feelings about purity, love and sexuality. And, he takes advantage of many symbols to demonstrate how just what a lost soul Holden has become with no chance to turn back the hands of time and return to his happy childhood when his brother was still alive.

From the Paper:

"Allie, Holden's young brother who died from leukemia, represents the purity that Holden looks for in a world of phonies. Holden says that he admires Allie more than he admires Jesus, and even goes as far as praying to Allie, rather than to Jesus. Allie also takes on the religious qualities of a savior near the end of the book when Holden has become ill and is having difficulty walking down Fifth Avenue. Holden said "Every time I'd get to the end of a block I'd make believe I was talking to my brother Allie. I'd say to him, Allie, don't let me disappear." "

More papers on Symbolism in "Catcher in the Rye":

• Book Review # 116704 : "Catcher in the Rye"
• Analytical Essay # 35247 : "The Catcher in the Rye"
• Analytical Essay # 35279 : "Symbolism in the "Catcher in the Rye"

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