The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, is seen throughout the narrative as repeatedly asking the simple question: where do ducks go in the winter? The simplicity of this question reflects a difficult situation for Holden that remains of utmost importance and significance throughout the novel. Although a complex character, Holden many times behaves similarly to a childlike figure who indulges in simplicity, questioning and responding to his dilemmas in a simplified and youthful manner. His fascination with this question can only be seen as the younger and more genuine side of his character. Furthermore, finding the answer to the outlandish question remains a top priority for a character who would otherwise give up various opportunities, events, and unambiguous positive perspectives in his life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The first time Holden asks about the ducks is while he is on his way to the Edmont hotel. Curious, he asks the taxi driver who takes him to the hotel for his opinion on where the ducks go during the winter. The question is unusually off-topic, yet Holden insists with great verve that his question is genuine and pesters the taxi driver for a bona fide answer. The question can be described as random and unsystematic, analogous to its existence. Because the ducks and where they are represent the unknown, Holden can identify with them very much. At a time in his life when he is entering an unknown existence, the main character connects with the ducks because he has finished an important period of his life and is moving on to another phase. However, unlike the ducks, Holden doesn't know where he's going in his life. He feels that even his pond, which represents his life until he leaves school, is freezing over and he must therefore find a comfortable, safe and secure refuge with his newfound independence. Like many other parts of the narrative, Holden only manages to connect his independence and curiosity in a bizarre way and compares them to ducks in a pond. Before visiting the pond himself, Holden once again asks a taxi driver for advice on the situation at hand. The taxi driver's vehicle then becomes the symbol of a comfortable place for Holden, a safe haven where he can learn about ducks. Since the taxi drivers are much older than most of the characters Holden interacts with in the book, they are most likely considered wiser. Additionally, they possess a keen sense of direction due to what they do for a living, and Holden may feel that they, of all people, might know which direction the ducks head during the winter months. Later in the book, the conversation turns to ducks and fish. Holden insists, however, that although the fish mean nothing to him, he emphatically wishes to understand the plight of the ducks. The fish may well be, figuratively speaking, children, still under the protective barrier of the frozen shell of the pond, apparently very limited in moving freely. The ducks, in turn, appear to be the free, independent adults of the world, at first relying on the pond for support, but then flying off where the sky is the limit with potential and possibility. In turn, Holden constantly finds himself in situations where he doesn't know whether he is more like a child or an adult. It is evident that Holden longs for childhood because of his fond and warm memories of youth, but feels that he is being forcibly pushed towards adulthood and independence because of his newly won freedom away from a structured and methodical world ..