Post by thethoughtpolice on Mar 21, 2011 11:40:05 GMT
...Ok just read that title back...hmmm.
Through Salinger's use of symbolism, the reader is given an insight into Holden's mental state and is inability to deal with the transition into adulthood:
"I was wondering where the ducks went when the lagoon got all icy and frozen over."
Holden's concern for the ducks welfare mirrors his concern for himself. His desire to know if the ducks will receive assistance shows that he is asking whether or not somebody will help him with his situation or if he will have to deal with the transition himself. The idea that Holden is not yet an adult is shown through his questioning as he is concerned about something that would not normally be an issue for others. The image of the pond being in transition also symbolises the change that Holden is going through. It is neither frozen nor is it water so this mirrors Holden who is between two states. He is no longer a child but he has not yet made the move into adulthood. Holden's concern about discovering what will happen to the ducks highlights a deeper issue he struggles to cope with unexplained change. This relates back to his dead brother, Allie, who died suddenly and this is something that Holden has struggled to cope with. Finally, the migratory pattern of the ducks also related to the circular narrative of the novel as it begins and ends in the mental institute.
Through Salinger's use of symbolism, the reader is given an insight into Holden's mental state and is inability to deal with the transition into adulthood:
"I was wondering where the ducks went when the lagoon got all icy and frozen over."
Holden's concern for the ducks welfare mirrors his concern for himself. His desire to know if the ducks will receive assistance shows that he is asking whether or not somebody will help him with his situation or if he will have to deal with the transition himself. The idea that Holden is not yet an adult is shown through his questioning as he is concerned about something that would not normally be an issue for others. The image of the pond being in transition also symbolises the change that Holden is going through. It is neither frozen nor is it water so this mirrors Holden who is between two states. He is no longer a child but he has not yet made the move into adulthood. Holden's concern about discovering what will happen to the ducks highlights a deeper issue he struggles to cope with unexplained change. This relates back to his dead brother, Allie, who died suddenly and this is something that Holden has struggled to cope with. Finally, the migratory pattern of the ducks also related to the circular narrative of the novel as it begins and ends in the mental institute.