Outline

I. Introduction
 * 1) (Hook) Holden cares more about what others think than how he thinks about himself.
 * 2) (Thesis) Though he wants to show his independence but is afraid to wear the cap in front of others.
 * (Avenue 1) He buys the hunting hat because it shows a sign of independence and it is also his prized possession.
 * (Avenue 2) He does not wear his hat around people that he knows because he is concerned that they will not accept him.
 * (Avenue 3) When he puts his cap on, his attitude changes from non-confident to confident.

II. Body One (Avenue one/ Main reason 1) linked with thesis statement.
 * 1) He buys the hat because he wants to be different from everyone else.
 * "I put on this hat that I bought in New York that morning. It was this red hunting hat, with one of those very, very long peaks. I saw it in the window of this sport store when we got out of the subway" (pg. 17)
 * 1) Since the hat was a sign of independence it became his most valuable belonging.
 * He took it everywhere with him even if he was not wearing it.
 * 1) When Holden hat is his symbol in which in will stand out.
 * He gave Phoebe the hat so that she would have something to remember him and that he was serious about leaving.

III. Body Two (Avenue Two/Main Reason 2) linked with the thesis statement 1. Holden cares a lot about what people think so he wont wear his hat with people he is un-conferable with. 2. He feels that he looks out of the ordinary with the hat on. 3. The only time he would wear the hat was when he was completely alone and no one could see him.
 * "I took it off and looked at it. I sort of closed one eye like I was taking aim at it." (pg. 22) He took off the hat because he does not want people to get a different idea about him.
 * He thinks he looks weird because of the ear flaps and the color of the hat.
 * This shows how he alienates himself from people.

IV. Body Three (Avenue Three/Main Reason 3) linked with the thesis statement 1. When he is wearing the hat he feels more confident. 2. When he is not wearing the hat he doesn't feel as confident. 3. When he has the hat on it creates an entire new person with confidence and someone who is not afraid to fight back.
 * "I put the hunting hat on, and turned the peak around to the back, the way I liked it, and then I yelled at the top of my goddam voice, "sleep tight morons!" (Page 52)
 * He believes that the hat gives him protection of some sort.
 * When he is wearing the hat it makes him feel safe from everyone as if he is untouchable.

V. Conclusion A. (Restate Thesis) Holden wants to show his independence but at the same time wants to be excepted. 1. He buys the hat because he wants to be different from everyone else. - Since his hat was his sign of independence then it became prized possession. 2. He cares a lot about what people think. - That is why he doesn't wear his hat in public. 3. When he is wearing the hat he feels more confident. - He believes that the hat gives him protection of some sort. 4. Holden's hat is like a get away from the real world.