Symbolism in The Catcher in the Rye Throughout the novel, the reader is presented with various symbols. The symbols are made clear by Holden's constant repetition of their importance. Symbols are very important and their symbolism is directly linked to the major themes of the novel. Allie, Holden's younger brother who died several years earlier, was a key symbol throughout the story. When Holden remembers incidents from his past involving Allie, his attitude changes, such as when he writes the composition on Allie's baseball glove or when Holden broke his hand after hitting all the windows after death of Allie. He believes that Allie was one of the few people who wasn't fake in a world full of fakes. Most importantly, Allie represents the innocence and childhood that Holden strives to recapture throughout his multi-day journey. In Holden's opinion, Allie represents the purity that Holden seeks in the world. Holden admits that he admires Allie more than Jesus, and even prays to Allie at one point, rather than Jesus. Allie is Holden's role model by which he judges the rest of the world. Allie's death creates turmoil in Holden's life. At various points in the novel, Holden asks what happens to the ducks normally found on a pond in Central Park, when winter comes and the water freezes. As he inquires, the answers he receives range from such far-fetched responses as the idea that ducks always stay there under the ice, just like fish, to indifferent responses like a simple " What a stupid question! REMARK. Despite the response he gets, Holden is never satisfied with the answer. Holden does not consciously realize that the ducks relate to him. Whether he admits it or not, Holden is afraid. He's been kicked out of many schools, he can't get good grades, his parents are angry with him, and he spends his days wandering around New York City. He doesn't know where he's going to go, mirroring his question about the ducks. Maybe if he knew where the ducks were going, he could follow their lead. While walking around New York, Holden arrives at the Museum of Natural History. He remarks about the museum that he likes the glass cases in which the museum officials place all their exhibits..