Symbolism in "The Catcher in the Rye"

"The Catcher In The Rye" encompasses very sophisticated meanings and symbols. J.D Salinger has created a symbolic environment for the novel, where everything and everyone represents a particular thing or idea. Salinger incorporates symbolism as an intricate tool for conveying his story to the reader. In my essay I will highlight and explain various important symbols in the novel. One of the most telling symbols in the novel is the name symbolism; Holden Caulfield …

…e carousel (swymbol of all the links in the story). Although "The Catcher in the Rye" can be seen simply as a novel about a disturbed teenage boy, it has many complex meanings and symbols woven into it. Salinger uses seemingly unimportant details and actions by characters, which are, in fact, great symbols in the plot. The characterization of Holden plays a substantial role in helping to discover most of the symbolism in the novel.