Symbolism in The Catcher in the Rye Throughout the novel, the reader is presented with various symbols. The symbols are clearly made evident by Holden's constant repetition of their importance. The symbols are so important and their symbolism is directly related to the major themes of the novel. Allie, Holden's young brother who died several years earlier, was a key symbol throughout the story. When Holden remembers incidents from his past involving Allie, his attitude …showed first 75 words of 589 total…

…showed last 75 words of 589 total…if Jane could change, perhaps the museum could change, as well. Holden knows that if the museum does not remain the same, it could hurt him, so he makes a conscious decision not to enter, even if his reasons are subconscious. Catcher in the Rye was a very powerful and symbolic book written from the position of a troubled teenager. The themes are clearly illustrated through the symbols, which Holden makes sure the reader recognizes.