Post by thethoughtpolice on Apr 13, 2011 8:31:09 GMT
In Chapter 16, the weather is used again to reflect Holden's mood.
"It wasn't as cold as it was the day before, but the sun still wasn't out."
This shows a slight change in Holden's outlook and depression. It is significant that there is a noted improvement in Holden's mood as he has just shared one of his most honest and pure moments to date: his conversation with the nuns as they symbolise innocence and purity. However, he is still not completely happy and may be still carrying the emotional scars from his encounter with Maurice and Sunny.
The key event in this chapter is that Holden visits the museum. Holden's nostalgic love for the museum represents his hopeless fantasising. The museum brings back many happy memories for holden as he associates it with his childhood. What Holden seems to like the most about the museum is the fact that it does not change and stays the same whilst time rolls on.
"Certain things should stay the way they are. You ought to be able to stick them in one of those big glass cases and just leave them alone."
Holden wishes that he could place innocence inside a glass case and preserve it - protecting it from the adult world.
"The only thing that would be different would be you."
It is significant that Salinger uses the word "you" instead of we or us. Holden is distancing himself from the change.
What depresses Holden the most is that his little sister, Phoebe will have changed by the next time she visits the museum. When leaving, it is important that Holden puts on his red hunting hat, which symbolises innocence and purity as it is the same colour as Allie and Phoebe's hair. He is clearly searching for comfort and protection.
"It wasn't as cold as it was the day before, but the sun still wasn't out."
This shows a slight change in Holden's outlook and depression. It is significant that there is a noted improvement in Holden's mood as he has just shared one of his most honest and pure moments to date: his conversation with the nuns as they symbolise innocence and purity. However, he is still not completely happy and may be still carrying the emotional scars from his encounter with Maurice and Sunny.
The key event in this chapter is that Holden visits the museum. Holden's nostalgic love for the museum represents his hopeless fantasising. The museum brings back many happy memories for holden as he associates it with his childhood. What Holden seems to like the most about the museum is the fact that it does not change and stays the same whilst time rolls on.
"Certain things should stay the way they are. You ought to be able to stick them in one of those big glass cases and just leave them alone."
Holden wishes that he could place innocence inside a glass case and preserve it - protecting it from the adult world.
"The only thing that would be different would be you."
It is significant that Salinger uses the word "you" instead of we or us. Holden is distancing himself from the change.
What depresses Holden the most is that his little sister, Phoebe will have changed by the next time she visits the museum. When leaving, it is important that Holden puts on his red hunting hat, which symbolises innocence and purity as it is the same colour as Allie and Phoebe's hair. He is clearly searching for comfort and protection.