Allie is Holden Caulfield's younger brother, who died of leukemia when he was 13. Holden was very close to Allie, and his death had a profound impact on him.
Why is Allie's baseball mitt so special to Holden?
Allie's baseball mitt is special to Holden because it was a gift from Allie. Holden loved playing baseball with Allie, and the mitt was a symbol of their close relationship. After Allie died, Holden kept the mitt as a way of remembering him.
The mitt is also special to Holden because it is a physical reminder of Allie. Holden can hold the mitt and feel Allie's presence, even though he is gone. The mitt is a source of comfort for Holden, and it helps him to cope with the grief of Allie's death.
The baseball mitt is a symbol of Holden's innocence and his loss of it.
When Holden is first introduced, he is a naïve and innocent teenager. He believes in the goodness of people, and he is optimistic about the future. However, as the novel progresses, Holden's innocence is gradually eroded. He witnesses the hypocrisy and corruption of the adult world, and he begins to lose faith in humanity.
Allie's baseball mitt is a reminder of Holden's innocence. It represents a time when Holden was happy and carefree. The mitt is also a reminder of the loss of that innocence. Allie's death showed Holden that the world is not always a fair or just place. It forced him to grow up and face the harsh realities of life.
Holden's attachment to the mitt also symbolizes his refusal to let Allie’s memory fade.
By holding onto Allie’s mitt, Holden is attempting to keep his memory alive. He doesn't want to forget Allie or the special bond they shared. The mitt is a physical reminder of Allie that helps Holden to feel close to him, even though he is gone.