How Does Holden Mature In Catcher In The Rye

The novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger follows the ups and downs of teenager Holden Caulfield. Salinger uses the symbol of the ducks to relate to the point where Holden is in his life. The ducks symbolize Holden navigating his way through life and adapting to new things. In his weekend in New York, he learns that he has to grow up, and accept his weaknesses. Salinger uses this particular symbol to create a deeper meaning an understanding of what Holden's life was really like. The ducks represent his uncertainty of his future, his transition between childhood to adulthood, and his fear of disappearing. When Holden had been kicked out of Pencey Prep and his future became hazy. He is essentially homeless and frozen with no where to go. The ducks give him hope to where his future lies. He is determined to find the answer to his question. He tries to elicit information from a cab driver: “ You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South? That little lake? By any chance, do you happen to know where they go , the ducks, when it gets …show more content…
Holden is torn between which path to take. He lost his brother Allie at a very young age, and it is causing him to be stuck in his childhood. Allie never got to grow up and Holden looked at Allie as the perfect person and doesn't want to leave him. The only connection he has with Allie was in his childhood. He also refused to accept the responsibilities of being an adult. He gives the silent treatment to his parents and can't accept the consequences of his actions:“ The problem was, she wouldn't have answered the phone. My parents would be the ones. So that was out”.(59) Instead of accepting the scares of adulthood, he creates his own fantasy, where childhood is filled with innocence and honesty. Holden does not want to grow up and face the fears of adulthood, so he is stuck between two