Holden's red hunting hat is one of the main symbols of the book The Catcher in the Rye. The hat represents individuality and uniqueness. It symbolizes confidence, self-esteem, and comfort in who someone is. Holden is only willing to express himself when he is alone, with no one around. Seek approval. Holden doesn't want to be seen negatively in any way. The hat is a symbol that Holden uses to tell Phoebe that she should always stay the same. Also, to tell her that she should have confidence in who she is, but, as Holden knows, confidence and self-esteem can be easily broken. In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger uses Holden's red hunting hat to symbolize Holden's uniqueness and a sense of security and comfort. Holden feels more comfortable wearing his hunting hat and seeks confirmation that wearing his hat is okay. Salinger writes, “Anyway, I put on my new hat, sat down, and started reading that book Out of Africa” (Salinger, 19). This quote shows how Holden feels more comfortable doing the things he likes when he wears the hat. He is free to read when no one is around. Holden is himself. Salinger writes: “I took off my hat and looked at it for about the nineteenth time. «I received it this morning in New York. For a dollar. Do you like it?'” (29). In this part, Holden takes off his hat and asks his roommate if it's okay for him to wear it, albeit indirectly. So, he's asking if it's okay to express himself. Holden wants positive recognition for his individuality. Salinger writes: “I couldn't find my damn hunting hat anywhere. I finally found it. It was under the bed” (45). He has a sense of panic when he can't find his hat. He refuses to leave it behind. Holden wants to hold on to the things they do... middle of paper... use people to lose their trust, just like Holden lost his. Phoebe lost her to Holden and he had tried so hard to keep her the way she was. She has lost her individuality while Holden has given it up. Salinger uses the red hat as a symbol of unique and confident qualities. Holden is comfortable wearing the hat. He wants to be told that his individuality is good. He likes to be individual and different. Holden feels uncomfortable expressing himself in the presence of others. His red hat represents individuality. When she talks to Phoebe at the end of the book she tells her that she is comfortable with who she is. She does until he tells her he won't take her with him and she ignores what he said. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden wants to be accepted for who he is. Works Cited Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown, 1991. Print.