The Frozen Pond

... may believe this is a sight of him growing up. Holden asked his cab driver on the way to the hotel if "By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it [the pond in Central Park] gets all frozen over?"(60, Salinger) Asking the driver this question is Holden's way of asking himself here he's going in life. Winter symbolizes ... in summer. It is also a time when the ducks are forced to leave the freezing pond, although they may not want to, just like Holden is being forced to grow up although he does not want to. The pond itself becomes a minor metaphor for the world...

• Word Count: 897
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... . Jenny passed the pond that ran through the center of the neighborhood and saw an astounding number of Canadian Geese on the other side. This pond had frozen over and looked like solid ground to a pup whom had had no experience with such things. The inches of snow that had fallen had also masked the appearance of the thin ice. Jenny proceeded to trot across the frozen top, but with the most dismay ... . For after one step into the pond she fell in through the ice. She swam around ... in a circle as we stood on the bank and watched. Jenny got out of the pond and shook off as much water a...

• Word Count: 1155
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

By using symbolism, an author can create a contrast between the appearance and the subtler meaning of an element. The novel, "The Catcher in the Rye," by J. D. Salinger, is the story of Holden Caulfield, an individual amid the conformity of the 1950s, who struggles to find his place in the world. J. D. Salinger uses symbols such as a broken record, a half-frozen pond devoid of ducks, and a checkerboard to reveal insights ... into Holden's motivations and character. In the novel, the broken record is a symbol for Holden's fear of the ... got home, and if it was, where would the ducks go. I w...

• Word Count: 1298
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... vanish every winter, but they return every spring, therefore symbolizing change that is not permanent, but recurring. The pond itself also becomes a metaphor for the world as Holden views it, because it is "partly frozen and partly not frozen." The pond is in a change between two states, just as Holden is in a transition between childhood and adulthood. Holden purchases a red hunting hat, which is what comes to ... be one of the most identifiable symbols from this novel. It further enhances the reader's image of Holden, since it is a symbol of his uniqueness ... and individuality. The ...

• Word Count: 944
• Approx Pages: 4

... as a mark of individuality and independence against others. The red hunting hat is one of the most famous literary symbols from the twentieth century. The Natural History museum has a deeper meaning in Catcher in the Rye than what the words say. Holden says the symbolic meaning of the museum's displays - they appeal to him because they are frozen and unchanging. This shows that Holden is inevitably changing and he ... shows that Holden has not lost all of his childhood. This also shows that Holden is in a transition between childhood and adulthood like how the pond is only half frozen. ...

• Word Count: 619
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... catch his breath and rest. Approaching the pond in a manner similar to a precautious gazelle in the African plains, the Hunter plunges into the water in an attempt to soak every fiber of his being. The replenishing sensation of the cool water almost made the Hunter forget the immense thirst that surged every inch of his self. Gorging himself on the seamlessly endless pond the Hunter drank until his body could ... those icy-blue eyes and could feel his rifle tremble softly. Bringing himself to ease the Hunter noticed something different. The footsteps! The footsteps had disappeared, but t...

• Word Count: 1384
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... Caulfield is faced with many obstacles. The most difficult obstacle Holden must overcome is his journey from childhood into adulthood. Through Holden visiting the Museum of Natural History, wondering where the ducks from the frozen pond went, and watching his younger sister Phoebe on the carousel, he transforms into a man. Upon Holden Caulfield's return home from Pencey Prep, he stops by the Museum of Natural History. Holden had ... loved the museum since childhood, because it was the same each time he went. His dream ... ...

• Word Count: 663
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... in some way- I can't explain what I mean..." (Salinger, 121-122). For Holden, the museum is a symbol of timelessness, something that is always the same. The only thing that changes upon each visit to the museum is himself and he despises the thought of changing. The idea of never changing and staying frozen in time appeals to Holden, because that would mean he would not have to ... that accompanies his eviction. Holden seeks companionship in whatever way he an find it, whether it is talking about the ducks in the pond to taxi drivers or bringing a prostitute to your hotel room just to t...

• Word Count: 725
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... on an area about two hundred yards ahead, just at the end of the draw. As my eyes scanned back and forth across the top of the snow covered draw in front of me, I quickly refocused them onto a large billowing pine tree that I could've sworn just moved. I was frozen with shock and anticipation in the saddle on top of my horse. As I raised my binoculars ... to my face, out of the side of my left eye, I caught a glimpse of my dad taking one knee in the padding of the snow as he shouldered his rifle. As my binoculars began to take ... and I remember feeling a moment of confusing sadness wh...

• Word Count: 1486
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School