The Catcher in the Rye (the term)

"The Catcher in the Rye" can refer to both the novel by J.D. Salinger and the metaphor within it. The novel's title is a misinterpretation of a line from Robert Burns' poem, symbolizing the protagonist Holden Caulfield's desire to protect children from losing their innocence. The phrase "catcher in the rye" represents Holden's wish to shield youngsters from the complexities and corruptions of adulthood, standing as a symbol of innocence and the desire to preserve purity in a world he finds overwhelming.