Post 5 - Irony

Question: Does the story anywhere utilize irony of situation? Dramatic irony? Verbal irony? What functions do the ironies serve?

Throughout The Catcher in the Rye, author J.D. Salinger utilizes irony. Cosmic irony and situational irony are both presented, all pertaining to Holden. Cosmic irony is created through Holden’s deep desire to resist phoniness, yet the pressures of the world, and the hierarchy of society, force him to subconsciously succumb. This is most evident through Holden’s perpetual lying. Though he advocates individuality and detests the how fake the adult world his, he himself acts in the way he describes adults by creating false personas to nearly everyone he meets. Situational irony is obtained clearly through Holden’s insistence on wearing his large, red hunting hat. His intention is to stand out from the pack, and make a point to be different. However, in the process he is merely conforming to the widely shared ideal of standing out, and being unique.

Irony is also formed through Holden’s need to protect the innocence of children. He himself wishes to stay pure, and believes that all children, untouched by the ways of adults, are truly the only good people in the world. He constantly feels great joy and pleasure when around children, and this is epitomized by his sister Phoebe. At the end of the book, when he is just watching her ride the carousel, he says, “I felt so happy all of a sudden, the way old Phoebe kept going around and around. I was damn near bawling, I felt so damn happy, if you want to know the truth” (Salinger, 213). This reflects how Holden strives to maintain this quality within himself, and often thinks that he does posses the integrity of minors. However, this is contradicted on numerous occasions. As previously mentioned, we first see his lack of morals in his incessant lying. He also reflects the mentality of adults in his constant drinking, and through his solicitation of Sunny. Finally, we see Holden’s immaturity in his inability to face adult society.

The inclusion of irony within The Catcher in the Rye serves many functions. They aid in the comprehension of Holden’s character, and enlighten his views of the world. However, the most important function is to portray the irony and contradictions that are present in society. Salinger makes it clear that phoniness is inevitable, just as growing up is. The irony teaches us that sometimes we are forced to do things we don’t want to, and brings to life the unnerving truth that everyone in the world has been sucked into a massive sea of conformity, rebellion and denial.