Essay Irony as an Instrument - 1244 Words

Irony as an Instrument Its 7:09 am and Olivia is woken up by a wetness between her legs. She looks down and finds that the wetness is actually her water that broke. She anxiously wakes up her husband John, and the two of them quickly gather their things. After nine long months of waiting, John and Olivia are finally on their way to the hospital to welcome their first child into the world. The two have already chosen Jacob Alexander as the babys name and have the nursery ready for him at home. Once at the hospital, Olivia and John meet with their doctor, Dr. Rodriguez, who assures the anxious couple that everything will be fine and their new son will be in their arms in just a matter of hours. It is now 8:22 am and the pain from†¦show more content†¦John...John. With a growing sound of his name, John is woken up by Olivia saying, John...Its time. What is irony and why do readers respond to it? Perhaps these questions can be answered by looking at An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce as well as the story I wrote above. Both stories contain the element of irony, presenting a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually occurs in the text (G17). Although there are several similarities and differences between the writing styles of the story I wrote and that of An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, one aspect remains the same: the significance of irony. Irony can be used as an instrument to provoke different emotions and generate a sense of shock or confusion in the reader. In order to express the power of irony in An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, Bierce incorporates distinct elements of writing that draw readers to this story. Immediately, Bierce begins the story in medias res, a narrative device of beginning a story midway in the events it depicts, usually at an exciting or significant moment (G17). As a result, readers are thrown into a situation with no explanation of how or why they are there. Initially, feelings of uncertainty and confusion persist, h owever readers are soon filled in as the story progresses. Bierce also incorporates meticulous descriptions of events that take place within the story. For instance, including greatShow MoreRelatedLoss in Hardys The Convergence of the Twain and Kiplings Harp Song of the Dane Women618 Words   |  3 Pagesthe word vanity is used, it shows irony in the poem. The Titanic was said to be unsinkable and when the word vanity is used in the line deep from human vanity, it shows the ship was a product of mans pride and it is vain towards the fact it was said to be unsinkable. ====================================================================== The second and final line in this verse uses some alliteration and links to he irony of human vanity. It says, And the PrideRead MoreIrony in Pride and Prejudice995 Words   |  4 PagesIrony in Pride and Prejudice Irony forms the alma mater of Jane Austen’s novels. Likewise, â€Å"Pride and Prejudice† is steeped in irony of theme, situation, character, and narration. Austen uses it to establish the contrast between appearance and reality. As one examines â€Å"Pride and Prejudice†, one discovers the ironic significance of how pride leads to prejudice and prejudice invites pride. Importantly, the novel elucidates how both â€Å"Pride† and â€Å"Prejudice† have their corresponding virtues bound upRead MoreEssay on Tell-tale Heart Literary Analysis723 Words   |  3 PagesThis particular one focuses on the events leading the death of an old man, and the events afterwards. Thats the basics of it, but there are many deep meanings hidden in the three page short story. Poe uses techniques such as first person narrative, irony and style to pull off a believable sense of paranoia. In this particular story, Poe decided to write it in the first person narrative. This technique is used to get inside the main characters head and view his thoughts and are often exciting. TheRead MoreA Cask of Amontillado Essay: Theme of Masonry544 Words   |  3 Pagesunredressed when the avenger fails to make himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong(209). While Montresor endeavors to make his vengeance known to Fortunato, the authors references to Masonry in his use of characterization, setting and irony indicate Montresors motive. Fortunato throws back a bottle of wine in a gesticulation [Montresor] did not understand, a sign of the Masons, a secret society of which he affirms he is a member (212). This secrecy is emulated in Montresors slaughterRead MoreRevenge Of Hamlet By William Shakespeare892 Words   |  4 Pagestragedy caused by revenge; Prince Hamlet’s retribution for his father, King Hamlet’s murder and Laertes vengeance for his father, Polonius’ murder. The theme of revenge in Hamlet is portrayed through various literary techniques such as foreshadowing and irony. Foreshadowing is the warning or indication that the audience receives through certain actions or phrases about a future event. Shakespeare applies foreshadowing in his play as it generates a mysterious and unpredictable atmosphere with an unsettledRead MoreAnalysis Of Jonathan Swift s A Modest Proposal956 Words   |  4 Pagesgaining a profit by selling and eat their children. The speaker’s proposal to consume the children of Ireland demonstrates a satirical solution to the Irish’s economic problems since the speaker practices irony, paralipsis, and ridicule to his proposition to the people of Ireland. Verbal irony is used multiple times by the speaker to describe the poor individuals in Ireland. Within this essay, the speaker refers to the poor as â€Å"pigs† (16), â€Å"cows in calfs† and as â€Å"breeders† (Swift,). The speakerRead MoreMutability By Percy Shelley1384 Words   |  6 Pagesregardless of how radiantly we may shine, we are like clouds at night that are overshadowed. The second stanza is rich in imagery, which Shelley uses to narrate his points. He depicts humans again, this time as forgotten lyres [stringed musical instruments of the harp family], whose dissonant strings/ Give various response to each varying blast,/ To whose frail frame no second motion brings/ One mood or modulation like the last(Lines 5-9). Shelley describes the simple beauty that humans can be asRead MoreRomeo And Juliet Juxtaposition Essay921 Words   |  4 Pagesmeaning of Shakespeares genius writing. A technique of writing William Shakespeare often uses in his plays like ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is juxtaposition. This technique puts two unlike things next to each other. Shakespeare uses juxtaposition to show the irony, drama, and the different views between characters to give his storys depth. In ‘Romeo and Juliet† Shakespeare uses juxtaposition to show the opinions of two compatible characters. In the first act, Capulet discusses with Paris a business deal toRead MoreAnimal Farm Character Analysis938 Words   |  4 Pages George Orwell is a celebrated novelist well known for his political satire in the fairy tale, Animal Farm. The theme of power in the book is recurring and greatly present throughout the piece. Through the use of characterization, conflict, and irony, Orwell shows that those in the position of power can become like its predecessor. Orwell demonstrates that those in power can become like their predecessor through characterization. One example comes from page 107: At about half pastRead MoreIrony In Alexander Popes Epistle1639 Words   |  7 Pages IRONY IN POPE’S EPISTLES Irony as a literary tool was utilized to its full potential by one of the most celebrated poet and satirist of the eighteenth century, Alexander Pope. He choosed irony as the prime instrument for his satiric hit as he found irony to be a more delighting and amusing medium. Pope’s ironic ability in writing was well reflected in his verse satires, and his famous epistles. In his works, by means of his humor and wit, Pope satirized