The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger: The Symbolism Behind the BookThe Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger is written by JD Salinger. This particular book is closely based on Salinger's life. The symbols in this book are very developed and have a lot to do with Holden's character development and also explain how he feels about certain things in his life. The three most important symbols in this book are the ducks in the Central Park pond, Mr. Antolini's digression speech and discussion, and, of course, the symbolism behind the title, the catcher in the rye. The following will be an in-depth analysis of the symbolism behind the book The Catcher in the Rye. The first symbolic event I would like to discuss is the conversation Holden has with his former English teacher, Mr. Antolini. This event happens in chapter 24. They started talking about the classes that Holden had failed. One in particular was the course called Oral Expression. Holden told Antolini how much he hated this class. He said he hated it so much because of something called "digression." He told Antolini that public speaking was a class where you stood up in front of the class and gave a speech on a chosen topic. The goal was not to go off topic. Every time someone went off topic, the whole class was supposed to yell “digression!” » at home. Holden was one of the guys who often got a digression shouted at. He was so frustrated he was going to give up. Holden explains to Mr. Antolini about a classmate named Richard Kinsella. He also went off topic a lot, but Holden said it was better when he went off topic because it was always more interesting. He says, “I mean, it’s dirty to keep shouting “Digression!” "against him when he's all nice and excited…'" This quote is very meaningful for Holden's understanding. When he says it's dirty to yell a digression at someone when they're excited about something, he makes really relates to his personal life He probably thinks it's rude of people to judge him and tell him what to do when his life goes a little off the rails This digression conversation proves how bad Holden's life is. really wasted..