Holden is seen talking to the ducks on many occasions and even trying to find them in many instances. Holden is first seen mentioning the ducks in chapter nine when he says, You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South? That little lake? By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it gets all frozen over? Do you happen to know, by any chance (Salinger 67)? This is the first instance that Holden talks about the ducks and he is super excited. He asks the same question multiple times to his cab driver as he really wants to know. Later in chapter twelve Holden has another conversation with a cab driver where he asks the same questions. He gets into more detail, and asks If they go south or something. He is super passionate about the ducks as he brings them up countless times. Holden cares a lot for the ducks and even worries about them. Holdens biggest interaction with the ducks is in chapter twenty when he goes into Central Park and actually goes up to the frozen lake. He almost falls in at times and gets super upset over the fact that there arent any ducks in the pond. Moments after looking for the ducks he sits down on a bench in the park and thinks about his brothers death. Holden thinks about all the jerks that went to Allys funeral. The ducks make him think about Allies death and overall life in general. Holden can relate
to the ducks in many ways. Ducks (when winter comes) leave, just to come back in the spring. Ducks leave because winter is tough for them and they cant survive. When times get tough for Holden, and he sees his winter coming, he leaves.
Holden loves ducks a lot and shows a lot of passion for them but he also shows a lot of passion for his hunting hat. He is seen cursing about the hat in chapter twenty, and its obvious he loves the hat a lot. He puts it on in many cases like in chapter seven when he leaves Pencey he says, I was sort of crying. I dont know why. I put my red hunting hat on (Salinger 59). He doesnt seem to show everybody the hat as he takes it off in public locations, like the hotel. His hat is also seen helping him through tough times as it almost hypes him up after being beaten up by Stradler. Holden waits for Stradler to leave the room before he gets up. He is obviously embarrassed by the hat to some compassitty. Holden later looks at his face with all the blood, and the hat on and makes himself feel strong and even though. Holden goes to the hat when he is most vulnerable. He uses it to show emotion and also to be happy with himself. The hat reflects himself in many ways. He doesnt like to show off his personality. He acts super rich all time when in cabs but doesnt show his true self. The same goes for the hat when he doesnt wear it in public that often.