Holden's red hunting hat is one of the main symbols in the book The Catcher in the Rye. The hat represents individuality and uniqueness. It symbolizes confidence, self-esteem and comfort in someone's identity. Holden is only willing to express himself when he is alone, with no one around. He seeks approval. Holden does not 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 be confident 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 the 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 this book Out of Africa” (Salinger, 19). This quote shows how Holden is more comfortable doing things he loves 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 him for about the nineteenth time. “I received it in New York this morning. For a dollar. Do you like it?' » (29). In this part, Holden takes off his hat and asks his roommate if he can wear it, albeit indirectly. So he asks if he can speak. Holden wants positive recognition of his individuality. Salinger writes: “I couldn't find my damn hunting hat anywhere. Finally I found it. It was under the bed” (45). He experiences a feeling of panic when he cannot find his hat. He refuses to leave it behind. Holden wants to hold on to things that... middle of paper ... use people to lose confidence like how Holden lost his. Phoebe had lost hers because of Holden and he had tried so hard to keep her the way she was. She lost her individuality while Holden abandoned her. Salinger uses the red hat as a symbol of unique and confident qualities. Holden is comfortable when he wears his hat. He wants to be told that his individuality is good. He likes to be individual and different. Holden is uncomfortable expressing himself to others. His red hat represents individuality. When he speaks with Phoebe at the end of the book, she tells him to be comfortable with who he is. She does this until he tells her he's not taking her with him and she disregards 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.