The checkerboard is referred to a lot when Holden is thinking of his old friend Jane Gallagher. The checkerboard is symbolic of Holden's obsessiveness with Jane. Holden is always asking people and wondering if Jane still keeps her kings in the back row. In checkers, if you keep your kings in the back row, it's like a security. You can't lose if you play that way. This is why Holden is so curious about Jane and if she still keeps her kings in the back row. What he really wants to know is if Jane has lost her security and let someone besides Holden in. This is why when Stradlater returns from a date with Jane, Holden repeatedly asks Stradlater, "Did you ask her if she still keeps all her kings in the back row?" Holden is actually asking if Jane let down her guard and let go of her inno

Holden also likes to drink liquor and smoke cigarettes. He does this because he feels it makes him look older and more mature. Most of the time he smokes or drinks when he is outside so people can see him. Holden even tells us, "I must a smoked a couple packs today." He is simply saying this to brag about how "cool" he is. The cigarettes and alcohol are of a symbol of age and maturity, but Holden tells us a few times, "I ordered a Scotch and soda", and then says that the waiter wouldn't bring it because Holden looked too young. This is like Holden is trying to fit in with the more mature people but they keep denying him because he is so immature and not ready to be an adult. Holden needs to stop and think about what's going on right now instead of trying to grow up so fast.

cence to Stradlater. Holden ponders a lot about if Jane keeps her kings in the back row over the period of the book. This just shows that Holden is totally obsessed with Jane's innocence and if she still has any innocence left.

School is also a symbol that tells us about Holden. It actually tells us about what will probably happen to Holden in his life. School is a structured system with many steps that must be completed in order to pass. It is a lot like life where there are many obstacles and challenges one must overcome in order to succeed.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Spencer Holden, Central Park, Stradlater Holden, Jane Holden, Holden Caulfield, Pencey Holden, Hills Pencey, Jane Gallagher, kings row, Holden Stradlater, JD Salinger, jane kings row, fails school, holden tells, jane kings, tell holden, cigarettes alcohol, holden caulfield, holden actually, jane holden, failed schools, central park museum,
Approximate Word count = 902
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)