10. How is Holden's red hunting hat significant to his character?

Firstly, I believe that Holden’s red hunting hat is a representation of his odd personality. Secondly, notice when Holden wears his hat. He wears his hat when he is in need of something to hide behind and when not in highly populated places. For example, he wears it when leaving Pency Prep, and yelling “Sleep tight, ya morons” down the hallway. This is normally not something diffident Holden would but his hat gives him a boost of self confidence. However, when Holden is in areas where there are lots of people, for example the train, going in bars, and hotels, he choose not to wear the hat, as he is embarrassed. When Holden is wearing the hat, he can be who he wants to be. It is as if the hat is a fake identity. Without the hat Holden lacks in self confidence. The hat represents Holden’s internal struggle of wanting to be different but at the same time having very little self confidence. Lastly, another thing to notice about the hat is it’s color, red. This is the same color as Allie and Phoebe’s hair. It is possible Holden also associates his hat with innocence and purity, as this is what he idolized his siblings for.