What is the symbol of the ducks in Central Park, and what does it reveal about Holden?

• A. They symbolize resilience and coping with winter and change; Holden's concern mirrors his own vulnerability
• B. They symbolize urban wealth and prosperity
• C. They symbolize Holden's desire for adventure and travel
• D. They symbolize his fear of water

Answer: (A)

The symbol of the ducks in Central Park reveals Holden’s anxiety about change and his own vulnerability. When Holden wonders where the ducks go in winter, he’s really asking how someone handles sudden, unsettling changes and uncertain futures. The ducks demonstrate resilience and adaptability—they cope with winter by finding a new place—so they serve as a mirror for Holden’s struggle to navigate growing up and the unknowns ahead. That’s why this interpretation best fits: it connects the ducks to Holden’s longing for stability and his fear of losing the familiar, rather than suggesting wealth, travel, or a simple fear of water.