"Comin' thro' the Rye"

Comin' thro' the Rye is a poem written by Robert Burns in 1782. This poem is where the title of the novel is derived. It is referenced in several of the later chapters. The poem is known for consisting greatly of sexual imagery. Holden believes it his duty to save the new era of children from becoming susceptible to this taboo subject, due to his misunderstanding of the lyrics. While hearing his interpretation of the lyrics, he imagines himself catching the children as they go off a cliff, all the while saving their innocence. This also reiterates Holden's longing to re-gain his innocence and relive his simpler childhood years, a major theme in the novel.

The Museum of Natural History

For much of the novel Holden ponders over his inability to perpetuate his childhood. He is very obsessed with this time of  his life since it was much simpler and less stressful. Also, the time of childhood is viewed as the epitome of innocence, especially by Holden. The theme of innocence and the eventual end of everyone's innocence is a recurring aspect of the novel. While in the museum he notes that all the exhibits are frozen in time and this comforts him, but at the same time reiterating his inability to return to his childhood years. Furthermore, The fact that everything in this museum is "natural" satisfies him due to the fact that there is nothing phony about the exhibits.

The Ducks in the Lagoon

During Holden's time in New York, he professes a deep concern for the well-being of the ducks that live in the lagoon in Central Park. He inquires of people if they know what happens to the ducks as the lagoon freezes over due to the cold temperatures of the winter. Eventually, Holden travels to the lagoon to look for the ducks. All of the thoughts about the ducks potentially dying lead him to think of his own death and mortality and cause him to panic, seen by his sudden heavy breathing. As he has grown up Holden has experienced death, such as when his brother, Allie, died. This is a major aspect of the novel as it represents one of Holden's internal struggles, the mortality subject, and also deals with the death of his brother Allie, with whom he had a strong brotherly connection.

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.