Example Of Book Review On Reading Journal Catcher In The Rye

The paragraphs 211-212 of J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye are one of the most beautiful and symbolic portions of this coming of age epic. Allie signifies that part of Holden’s childhood that he is unwilling to leave behind. On the other hand, in the form of his sister, Phoebe, Holden faces the present, a doorway to the future. By accepting the loss of Allie and finding Phoebe, Holden symbolically accepts his own transition into adulthood. The boy who was so uncomfortable in his surroundings some time ago is now at peace with what life has to offer him. “All the kids kept trying to grab for the golden ring, and so was old Phoebe, and I was sort of afraid she’d fall off the goddam horse, but I didn’t say anything or do anything. The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything” – While Holden’s frank, new age dialect remains as before, his perception has matured by leaps and bounds. He identifies the ‘golden ring’ with maturity, an idea that kids keep trying to grasp and often fall while trying. Finally, the red hunting cap that Holden associates with parting and separation, is placed on his head by Phoebe. This is a very poetic and touching symbol that signifies Holden’s bidding farewell to his childhood and embracing his new found adulthood. These passages are, in a manner, the culmination of Holden’s journey from being a boy to a man.