Themes and Symbols in Catcher in the Rye

 

Themes:

 

1.    Alienation as a Form of Self-Protection

 

2.    The Painfulness of Growing Up

 

3.    The Phoniness of the Adult World

 

4.    Loneliness

 

5.    Relationships, Intimacy, and Sexuality

 

6.    Lying and Deception

 

Symbols:

 

  1. The Catcher in the Rye

 

  1. HoldenŐs Red Hunting Hat

 

  1. The Museum of Natural History

 

  1. The Ducks in the Central Park Lagoon