The red hunting cap is a strong symbol of Holden’s unconventional joy. This is not a baseball cap. The bill is overly long. It is painfully unstylish, but Holden loves it. Unknowingly anticipating a style that would be popular several decades later, he wears it backward. Those who follow baseball can’t help noticing that this is how a catcher wears his cap (a connection to the novel’s title).
Holden also dons his unconventional cap indoors. Among other things, it is a reading cap for Holden. Perhaps the critics who say that Holden wears it backward because he is hunting himself are correct. More likely, Holden just loves the cap and enjoys being different.
Ackley is an excellent example of Salinger’s skill at characterization. Numerous specifics reveal Ackley’s personality. He is antisocial and cold to the point that even his wife, if he ever marries, will call him by his last name. He never brushes his teeth; they look “mossy and awful.” He is nasty and hates everyone. He constantly disturbs Holden’s personal belongings and puts them back in the wrong place.
In a distinct way, Holden differs from his creator. Ironically, when he reads a terrific book, Holden thinks it would be great to telephone the author and get to know him. They could become pals and talk whenever Holden feels like it. But it is safe to assume that J.D. Salinger, as an author, would not welcome such an invasion of his own privacy.
