Symbolism in The Catcher in the Rye Throughout the novel, the reader is introduced to various symbols. The symbols are clearly made evident by Holden's constant reiteration of their importance. Symbols are so important and their symbolism is directly related to the main themes of the novel. Allie, Holden's young brother who had died several years earlier, was a key symbol throughout the story. When Holden recalls incidents from his past involving Allie, his attitude changes, such as when he writes the composition on Allie's baseball glove or when Holden broke his hand after punching all the windows after Allie's death. She feels that Allie was one of the few people who wasn't fake in a world full of fakes. More importantly, Allie represents the innocence and childhood that Holden strives to find throughout his multi-day journey. According to Holden, Allie represents the purity that Holden seeks in the world. Holden admits that he admires Allie more than he admires Jesus, and at one point even prays to Allie, rather than Jesus. Allie is Holden's role model, by which he judges the rest of the world. When Allie dies, it creates turbulence in Holden's life. At various points throughout the novel, Holden asks what happens to the ducks normally found in a pond in Central Park when winter comes and the water freezes. As he investigates, the answers he receives range from far-fetched answers like the idea that ducks still hang out there under the ice, just like fish do, to indifferent answers like a simple "What a stupid question!" observation. Despite the response he gets, Holden is never satisfied with the answer. Holden does not consciously realize that the ducks identify with him. Whether he admits it or not, Holden is scared. He has been expelled from numerous schools, fails to get good grades, his parents are angry with him, and he spends his days wandering New York City. He doesn't know where he will go, reflecting his question about the ducks. Maybe if he knew where the ducks went, he could follow their example. While walking through New York, Holden arrives at the Natural History Museum. Regarding the museum, he points out that he likes the glass cases in which museum officials place all their exhibits.