The Ducks in The Catcher and the Rye

In the novel the Catcher and the Rye the main character Holden mentions that ducks live in a lagoon in south Central Park. He thinks about where the ducks might go during the story and asks different people if he knows where they go. He wonders if the ducks fly away or if people take them somewhere warm. He worries about the ducks. I find it interesting that Holden cares so much about the ducks. He seems to not care about many things so it is surprising he cares about animals. Later on in this story the reader can relate the ducks to his deceased brother Allie. Holden asks Allie not to let the ducks die, basically he asks his brother to protect them and be there angel. This shows that Holden does have a heart and does care. He is probably depressed because of his brother’s death.

Later on in the story Holden is alone in the city and has nowhere to go so he goes to that lagoon. He decides to look for the ducks. He gets very close to the water, so close that he about falls in. Finally he realized there are no ducks there. Holden is surprised and sad they are not there even though he knew it would be unlikely (it was winter). Because the ducks are not there he starts thinking about his dead brother, Allie. To me this hints that Holden thinks the ducks are dead. Holden worries about small things that don't even concern him. He worried all the time throughout this book. He even worried about just a few ducks that have obviously left to find warmer weather. Holden assumes not being seen is like being dead. Again I think this is due to his brother’s death.

I think the ducks show that Holden does have a heart and does care about something other than himself. I think the ducks play a big role on showing who Holden really is.