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Many books use symbols underneath a basic story to give the reader a much deeper understanding. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger uses symbols extensively. While the bedside reader may not notice them, when looked at carefully, they reveal a completely different side of the book. One of the most prominent symbols of the book is the red hunting hat. It symbolizes Holden’s uniqueness and individuality. This shows that Holden has a desire to be different than everyone else around him. This also shows that while he wants to be unique, he sometimes takes it off when people he knows come in, showing his desire for companionship. The book says, “[Ackley] took another look at my hat … "Up home we wear a hat like that to shoot deer in, for Chrissake," he said”. “That’s a deer shooting hat.” “Like hell it is.” I took it off and looked at it. I sort of closed one eye, like I was taking aim at i