The protagonist in The Catcher in the Rye,Holden Caulfield is a rebellious and confused child,whose growth is full of puzzle-ment and crises,and the application of symbolism highlights this theme in the novel.Therefore,the thesis is to test his disagreeable experi-ences by using the method of symbolism.The study interprets this theme through three main phases,that is,it analyzes Holden’s difficulty in communicating with the outside world,and the inner depression and no soul mates aggravate his confusion.The second phase is his refus-al of growth,with the wish to preserve purity and innocence.At last,the paper discusses Holden’s endeavor to seek reliance,and finally he involuntarily protects somebody and chooses to escape.The widespread symbolism throughout the novel makes Holden’s growth crisis more vivid and attractive.