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Symbols. Catcher in the Rye. What is a symbol. According to Wikipedia, a symbol is: an object , a picture , A written word , A sound , or particular mark These represent something else by association, resemblance, or convention. What is a symbol?.
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Symbols Catcher in the Rye
What is a symbol • According to Wikipedia, a symbol is: • an object, • a picture, • A written word, • A sound, • or particular mark • These represent something else by association, resemblance, or convention.
What is a symbol? • A symbol stands for some greater idea. • What do the following symbols stand for?
Symbols in Literature • Where can we recognize symbols in a piece of literature? • Check the title! • A frequently repeated item or idea. • An item that is described in detail • An item that seems odd or out of place
Task • In your group, identify the symbol • Discuss what you think the symbol means • Ask for help if you’re not sure
Symbol 1: The Red Hunting Hat • Individuality: identifies Holden and differentiates him from others. • Originality: prevents him from being another “phony” person. • The red color: can be associated with innocence and purity, it is also the color of his siblings hair. • Represents Holden's need for isolation, against his need for companionship. • It could also represent his insecurity. He might wear it to hide himself from the world, or feel safer from it .
Symbol 2: Jane • Desire for Love • Mentions her in an obsessive way, remembers everything she did • Need for Companionship • Feels very lonely and enjoyed her company. Now he is desperate for regaining such feeling. • Childhood • Often remembers her when thinking about childhood since it was a happy time for him (his brother was still alive)
Symbol 3: Record • Childhood • Holden wants him and Phoebe to stay as a child. • Responsibility + Love • Shows that he needs to grow up and have more responsibility for the things he cares about- like Phoebe. • Broken Pieces • Shows his realization that things won’t always stay the same, that people grow up. Also when he collects the pieces it shows that he wants to hold on to his childhood.
Symbol 1: The Ducks The ducks represent: • His childhood and innocence • He cares for something quite trivial • Goes about asking about it in a childish manner • “Peter Pan” syndrome • Holden’s future and self • He is unaware of the path his life is taking • Like the ducks he doesn’t have a sense of belonging • Holden ‘migrates’ between schools