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Death theme
Death is another consistent theme in the novel. It is continually implied by the presence of Holden's younger brother's spirit, even though Allie has been dead for about three years. When Holden fears for his own existence, such as when he feels that he might disappear, he speaks to Allie. He is haunted by the thought of Allie in the rainy cemetery surrounded by tombstones and dead people. Holden associates death with the mutability of time
School Symbolism
Pencey Prep and Elkton Hills are examples of institutions that serve as symbols. For Holden, the schools represent the phony, cruel world of those who run them. Even the advertisements for Pencey Prep are misleading. They feature "some hot shot guy on a horse" performing equestrian feats. Holden says he has never even seen a horse at Pencey
Theme: Innocence
Holden's secret goal is to be "the catcher in the rye." Here, he sees a field of rye standing by a dangerous cliff. Children play in the field with joy. If they should come too close to the edge of the cliff, Holden is there to catch them. His attitude seems to shift near the end of the novel when he realizes that Pheobe and other children must be allowed to "grab for the gold ring," to choose their own risks and take them, even though it may be dangerous.