The Motifs In Holden's Red Hunting Hat

Throughout the novel Holden is left out by the world. He mentioned to Mr. Spencer he feels like he's confined on the other side of life. Holden attempts to fit into a world where he feels he doesn't belong.

Further into the novel we can see that Holden’s isolation is his way of protecting himself. I chose a motif that constantly reappears throughout the novel. This motif is Holden's Red Hunting Hat. Holden always puts this red hunting hat on whenever he is in awkward situations this probably helps him cope with situations just like when he smokes when he’s angry.

The Red Hunting Hat is the symbol of Holden's uniqueness and individualism. He is also self conscious about the hat. He takes much care for it and remembers where he puts it.