Holden´s Red Hunting Hat in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Holden’s red hunting hat is one of the main symbols in the book, The Catcher in the Rye. The hat represents individuality and uniqueness. It symbolizes the confidence, self esteem, and comfort in who someone is. Holden is only willing to express himself when he is alone, with no one around. He looks for approval. Holden does not want to be seen negatively in any way. The hat is a symbol that Holden uses to tell Phoebe that she should always stay the same. Also, to tell her that she should be confident in whom she is, but, as Holden knows, Confidence and self-esteem can be easily broken. In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger uses Holden’s red hunting hat to symbolize Holden’s uniqueness and a sense security and comfort.

Holden feels more comfortable wearing the hunting hat and looks for confirmation that wearing his hat is all right. Salinger writes, “Anyway, I put on my new hat and sat down and started reading that book Out of Africa” (Salinger, 19). This quote shows how Holden is more comfortable doing things he enjoys when he is wearing the hat. He is free to read when no one is around. Holden is being himself. Salinger writes, “I took off my hat and looked at it for about the nineteenth time. ‘I got it in New York this morning. For a buck. Ya like it?’” (29). In this part, Holden takes off his hat and asks his roommate if it is ok for him to wear his hat, although indirectly. So, he is asking if it is okay to express himself. Holden wants positive acknowledgement for his individuality. Salinger writes, “I couldn’t find my goddam hunting hat anywhere. Finally I found it. It was under the bed” (45). He has a sense of panic when he can’t find his hat. He refuses to leave it behind. Holden wants to hold on to the things that mak...

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...use people to lose their confidence like how Holden lost his. Phoebe lost hers because of Holden and he had tried so hard to keep her the way she was. She through her individuality away while Holden gave up on it.

Salinger uses the red hat as a symbol of unique and confident qualities. Holden is comfortable when he wear his hat. He wants to be told that his individuality is good. He enjoys being individual and different. Holden is uncomfortable with expressing himself around others. His red hat represents individuality. When he talks with Phoebe at the end of the book her tells her to be comfortable with whom she is. She does until he tells her he is not taking her with him and she disregards what he said. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden wants to be accepted for who he is.

Works Cited

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown, 1991. Print.