The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger is the bildungsroman par excellence. The novel's protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is a troubled seventeen-year-old boy with an exceptional tendency to judge others. He struggles to grow up, as all teenagers do, especially when he becomes aware of the hypocrisy of the adult world. As Holden ventures into adulthood, critics encounter numerous symbols strategically placed by Salinger. In The Catcher in the Rye, the golden ring and the carousel represent the consistency and monotony of childhood, the risks involved in becoming an adult, and Holden's realization of his new position in the adult world. As Holden's story comes to an end, he accompanies his younger sister, Phoebe, to the park. They look for the carousel and notice the “whimsical” music being played (Salinger 210). Holden recalls this observation by telling the reader, “That's a nice thing about carousels, they always play the same songs” (Salinger 210). It is clear that Holden fears change, so the familiar music comforts him. Holden brings one back into the scene ...