Throughout J. D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye, the repetition of many symbols is apparent. Nearly all symbols in this novel are of great importance in understanding the storyline and convey deeply moving ideals. Perhaps the two most significant symbols in this tale are Holden's red hunting cap and his deceased brother Allie's baseball mitt. Although both are now in Holden's possessions now, each of them holds its own important place in both the novel and Holden's heart.

Holden's red hunting cap conveys his individuality and sense of self-worth. Even after loosing the fencing team's foils on the subway while in New York ("I left all the foils and equipment ...-p. 3), Holden could always pull out that hat and get a good feeling from it. Holden often pulls the hunting hat out if his pocket and remembers when he first bought it ("I saw it in...