6. How do you think Holden's obsession with "where the ducks go when the lagoon freezes over" is relevant to his character?

Holden’s obsession with the ducks is possibly because he can relate to them. He says, “ I was wondering where the ducks went when the lagoon got all icy and frozen over. I wondered if some guy came in a truck and took them away to a zoo or something. Or if they just flew away.” (pg 13) When winter arrives the duck are forced out of their homes and fly south. The beginning of winter is like failing classes for Holden and flying south from their homes would be getting kicked out of school. In the novel, Holden’s parents are not really there, as he is supposed to be transitioning into adulthood and becoming independent. This is hard for Holden, as he idolizes the innocence of the younger generation and therefor still wants to be a kid. Holden is looking for a parental figure (a guy in a truck) to guide him. But, just like the ducks he has to be able ‘fly away,’ meaning lead his life and find his own way, as he is supposed to be becoming an adult. The ducks are relevant to Holden’s character as it represents the crossroads of adulthood and childhood. Holden has to decide whether he is going to be independent and ‘fly away’ or continue being a kid.