Why does Holden wear the red hunting hat?

In J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye," the protagonist Holden Caulfield wears a red hunting hat throughout much of the story. The significance of this hat lies in its symbolism, which reflects Holden's desire to assert his individuality and to hide from the world. Holden’s personality contains a certain amount of complexity, and his behaviours and thoughts are often contradictory. His red hunting hat may be seen as a sign of his emotional complexity, revealing his desire to be understood and his fear of rejection. The hat is, therefore, a manifestation of his inner struggles and a way of communicating his feelings to those around him. Furthermore, Holden wears the red hunting hat as a form of protection against the judgments of society.

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