Red Hunting Hat Symbolism In Catcher In The Rye

In The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger, the red hunting hat conveys an important motif which ultimately is important towards Holden’s sense of individuality. In the text, the red hunting hat makes its first and arguably meaningful appearance after Holden’s encounter with Mr. Spencer. As Holden simply describes the hat as a “ red hunting hat, with one of those very, very long peaks” ( 21), the audience foresees the importance and symbolism of the item. The appearance of the hat marks the first time the readers are in the presence of Holden roughly complimenting himself. Though seeming small and unimportant, this act of Holden’s begins to anchor the idea of his hat serving as a place of comfort and expression of individuality. Since Holden