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What literary devices are used in The Catcher in the Rye?

Joe Ford

What literary devices are used in The Catcher in the Rye?

J.D. Salinger uses many literary devices throughout this novel. Three of them include: symbolism, irony, and motifs. Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.

What are symbols in The Catcher in the Rye?

The Catcher in the Rye | Symbols

  • Holden’s Red Hunting Hat. Holden’s cap is a symbol of his insecurities and his creative personality.
  • The “Catcher in the Rye” Holden’s journey toward adulthood causes him to want to protect children.
  • Allie’s Baseball Glove.
  • Museum of Natural History.
  • The Ducks in the Central Park Lagoon.

What is the metaphor in The Catcher in the Rye?

Holden’s secret goal is to be “the catcher in the rye.” In this metaphor, he envisions a field of rye standing by a dangerous cliff. Children play in the field with joy and abandon. If they should come too close to the edge of the cliff, however, Holden is there to catch them.

What does the ducks symbolize in Catcher in the Rye?

Holden is obsessed with the ducks at the Central Park Lagoon because they symbolize youthful innocence while demonstrating that change isn’t permanent, and survival is possible even in the harshest environment.

What do the ducks in Central Park symbolize in Catcher in the Rye?

Holden’s focus on the Central Park Lagoon ducks symbolizes his youthful side as well as his true desire to discover how the ducks survive the harsh winter environment, hoping he can apply their secret to his own struggles.

What do the fish symbolize in The Catcher in the Rye?

I’m talking Page 5 about the ducks” (82). The fish symbolize everyone else but Holden is not a fish. All the other boys at Pencey Prep are taken care of by Mother Nature but Holden is different. He does not care about the fish because he is a duck.

What does Phoebe symbolize in The Catcher in the Rye?

Phoebe, then, serves as a guide and surrogate for the audience. Because she knows her brother better than we do, we trust her judgments about him. Phoebe makes Holden’s picture of childhood—of children romping through a field of rye—seem oversimplified, an idealized fantasy.

Why does Holden like his sister Phoebe so much?

Holden loves Phoebe because he can easily connect with her. Not only is she a good listener, but she also has a keen sense of discernment. These characteristics make Holden feel like they are on the same page. For instance, they share an understanding of what makes a movie “lousy” or “pretty good.”

What schools did Holden Caulfield flunk out of?

Holden was the manager of the fencing team at Pencey. He says he was being kicked out because he was flunking four classes and not applying himself. Holden later explains that he also left Whooton School and Elkton Hills.