The Red Hunting Hat

One main staple in The Catcher in the Rye is Holden's red hunting hat. He purchased this hat by the beginning of the novel while in New York City with the fencing team, for which he was a manager. This hunting hat is one of the most recognizable symbols in American literature during the twentieth century. The hat stands for Holden's individuality and is his way of expressing this, a major motif. It is very eccentric and out of place in the setting of the novel, which takes place largely in the city. A perpetual conflict within the novel is Holden's need for companionship versus his need for isolation. This hat epitomizes this conflict, which can be seen by Holden's actions of hiding the hat when he is around acquaintances and wearing it when alone or amongst strangers. Not only is the hat itself a major artifact, but the color, red, represents his love for his deceased brother, Allie, and little sister, Phoebe, due to their red hair color.