Throughout the novel, Holden grapples with feelings of profound isolation. He struggles to connect with his peers, whom he dismisses as 'phonies,' and feels alienated from the adult world he sees as superficial and hypocritical. His yearning for genuine connection fuels his actions as he desperately seeks someone who understands him.

The novel is steeped in Holden's grief over the loss of his younger brother, Allie. This profound loss deeply impacts Holden's worldview, contributing to his cynicism and fear of change. He romanticizes childhood as a time of purity and innocence, symbolized by his recurring dream of saving children from falling off a cliff in a field of rye—a metaphor for his desire to protect innocence from the harsh realities of adulthood.

Holden's journey is essentially a quest for identity and authenticity in a world he perceives as fake. He rebels against societal expectations and constantly questions the values and behaviors of those around him. His red hunting hat, worn defiantly throughout the novel, symbolizes his desire to be unique and stand out from the crowd. Ultimately, Holden's struggle is to reconcile his idealized vision of himself with the realities of growing up and finding his place in a complex world.