The ducks, the red hat, and Allie are used as symbols in The Catcher in the Rye.
             Another frequent topic in The Catcher in the Rye is Holden's younger brother Allie. Holden adores Allie and is very distressed about his premature death. It is easy to say that Allie's death was the beginning of a downward spiral in Holden's life. According to Holden, Allie was one of the most lovable people ever. "You'd have liked him... He was terrifically intelligent. . . But it wasn't just that he was the most intelligent member in the family. He was also the nicest" (38).
             As Holden gets more and more upset throughout his days in New York, Allie is a recurring thought. Holden seems to use Allie as a sort of medicine. Thinking of Allie both comforts him and upsets him. On his last day in New York, there is even a point when Holden walks on the street talking aloud to Allie. "'Allie, don't let me disappear... Please, Allie.' And then when I'd reach the other side of the street without disappearing, I'd thank him"(198).
             Holden feels guilty about some things with Allie. One particular instance that Holden dwells on is a summer day when Allie wanted to accompany Holden and a friend on a bike ride. "Allie heard us talking about it, and he wanted to go, and I wouldn't let him. I told him he was a child" (99). Now Holden replays this situation in his mind, only this time he includes Allie.
             Allie will always remain a child in Holden's eyes. In a way, this helps Holden cope with his death. Holden doesn't want any children to grow into adults and it is impossible for Allie to - he is eternally young. This leads to the immense amount of adoration Holden feels towards Allie. Allie is lucky, he doesn't have to deal with the negative aspects of life anymore.
             Another symbol that Salinger brings into the book with Holden is the scenes with the ducks at Central Park. " I was wondering where the ducks went when the lagoon go all icy and frozen over" (
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