Use of symbolism in “The Catcher In The Rye” and “The Great Gatsby” There are many writers like James Joyce, Patrick Kananach and Thomas Moore who use symbolism to convey and support indirect meaning in their writings. Both JD Salinger and F. Scott Fitzgerald use symbolism in similar ways. In “The Catcher In The Rye” and “The Great Gatsby,” the authors used symbolism to convey emotions and reality. In "The Catcher In The Rye," J.D. Salinger uses Holden's red hunting cap, exhibits from the Museum of Natural History, and the "kings of the last rank" as symbols whose meanings help tell the story. Holden's red hunting hat represents Holden's disapproval of adult society and impostures. Although Holden and his hat are out of place in New York, he loves this hat because it demonstrates his difference and independence from other children his age. He becomes more and more attached to his hat because he feels like a catcher in the rye when he wears the hat. Holden can't let go of his hat, just like he can't let go of his childhood. The Natural History Museum is used to signify Holden's fear of change. Holden enjoys looking at the mummies and museum exhibits because they never change and are frozen in time. Holden realizes that he changes every time he comes back and sees the exhibits, but the exhibits don't change. He wants the world of his childhood to last forever, like its exhibitions. Salinger also uses the New York setting as a symbol. Although H...