What Does The Museum Symbolize In Catcher In The Rye

In today’s society older generations say that the younger generation does not want to grow up. This is because it is evident society draws a connection between innocence and children. That growing up comes with responsibility, risks, and the the loss of that innocence. This is also evident in the novel, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D.Salinger. He tells the story of troubled teenager named Holden who struggles with the fact of growing up. Holden faces the fork in the road of choosing between childhood innocence or to grow up. Salinger use symbolism and irony to show that society tends to hold on to childhood innocence, but one has to face reality to grow up. In order to not be held back from opportunities and feel depressed.
J.D. Salinger uses symbolism to show although one might
This is seen in the novel when Holden is visits the museum of natural history with his younger sister Phoebe. He is so fond of the museum, in fact it is his favorite place. Holden states, “The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Noboy’d move. You could go there a hundred thousand times, and that Eskimo would still be just finished catching those two fish” (Salinger 135). The museum is a symbol of holding on to innocence. Holden enjoys the museum so much because of the fact that it never changes. The museum is a symbol oh Holden himself not wanting to change because he is too afraid to grow up and what will come with growing up. Although later on Holden realizes that the only thing changing in the museum is himself, and sees that one cannot be innocent forever.Symbolism is seen all throughout the book Salinger uses it to even explain the title. Later on in the novel Holden explains to his litter sister Phoebe what he wants to be in life. All he wants to be is the “Catcher in the Rye”. He wants to save everyone. Salinger states, “I kept picturing all these little kids playing some game in this