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Definition of Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a... read full definition
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Namaskaar, Brothers:
Dramatic irony culminates into a nail-biting moment during Narayan and Ishvar’s apprenticeship with Ashraf. When a gang of Hindu nationalists beats on the tailor’s door with threats of violence in Chapter 3, the brothers step in to intervene. The performance that follows is perilous and fraught:
Most of them had some sort of crude weapon, a stick or a spear; others had swords. A few men were wearing saffron shirts, and carried tridents.
The sight of them made Ishvar tremble. For a brief moment he was tempted to tell them the truth and step out of the way. Ashamed of the thought, he unlocked the grating and pushed it open a bit. “Namaskaar, brothers.”
“Who are you?” asked the man in front.
“My father owns Krishna Tailors. This is my brother.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 6
Explanation and Analysis—Galloping Inventiveness:
In Chapter 6, Omprakash and Maneck’s afternoon jaunts to Vishram's Vegetarian Hotel often become fertile ground for their raciest sexual fantasies. One such conversation features layers of dramatic irony as they size up each other’s prowess in the bedroom:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[Omprakash] puffed airily at the beedi as he fabricated explorations that involved Shanti’s hair and limbs, and complicated excursions into her skirt and blouse…Catalysed by Om’s fantasies, Maneck’s inventiveness took the field at a gallop. “There was a woman in the upper berth opposite mine, very beautiful.”
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Brother-in-Law:
Chapter 9 turns Nusswan into the victim of a humorous misunderstanding. When his secretary announces Dina and Maneck’s arrival to his office, he thrills—and then trembles—at the prospect of his sister’s remarriage. The ensuing dramatic irony merely makes a fool of him:
Unlock with LitCharts A+And this young man with her today, her boyfriend. If they were serious and got married, how wonderful…Nusswan rose and shot his cuffs, ready to extend a warm greeting to the man who would be brother-in-law. When he saw Maneck’s youth enter the office, his knees almost gave way. His crazy sister had done it again! He clutched the edge of the desk, pale with visions of shame and scandal in the community.
Related Themes:
Chapter 14
Explanation and Analysis—Cursed Ponytails:
Shankar falls victim to an ironic, unfortunate coincidence just before his death in Chapter 14. His haircut with Rajaram goes terribly awry when he demands that the barber attach to his head two ponytails that had belonged to the recently murdered beggars. The request costs him his reputation:
Unlock with LitCharts A+What a coincidence, he said, that two thick tails of hair should be in this beggar’s possession. Speculation flourished…
“What a monster he is!” marvelled another, torn between repulsion and admiration. “Such dexterity! Even without fingers or legs, he can commit these violent crimes!”
Related Themes:
