How Does Holden Use Irony In Catcher In The Rye

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In the novel Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist, Holden, is arrogant and dismissive of others, but in the end he realizes that he needs people in his life. Salinger uses metaphor and irony to convey the theme of coming of age, as Holden eventually comes to accept that no man is an island. Holden dismisses the people around him when they try to advise or correct him because he is arrogant. As Holden prepares to leave Pencey Prep, his history teacher reminds him, “Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays accordingly to the rules” (Salinger 12). In this metaphor, Holden demonstrates his refusal to follow the rules of being a successful student at Pencey Prep when he irresponsibly leaves the fencing team’s equipment