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Imagery
Definition of Irony
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how... read full definition
Key Examples in Ivy Day in the Committee Room
Irony
Explanation and Analysis—Worshipping Parnell:
In a key example of situational irony in the story, the Nationalist Party canvassers claim to worship Charles Stewart Parnell—hoping to continue his strong moral and political legacy—while actively undermining his legacy by behaving in lazy and immoral ways. For example, rather than performing their jobs well and canvassing even in the rain, all of the men end up in the Committee Room, drinking and gossiping by the fire.
Related Themes:
Irony
Explanation and Analysis—A City Father:
While sitting in the Committee Room with his fellow canvassers by the fire, Henchy jokes about becoming a “City Father,” or a leader in Dublin politics. He and the other men sardonically envision such a situation, using verbal irony in the process:
Unlock with LitCharts A+– By God! I’m thinking seriously of becoming a City Father myself. What do you think? Would I do for the job?
Mr O’Connor laughed.
[…]
– Driving out of the Mansion House, said Mr Henchy, in all my vermin, with Jack here standing up behind me in a powdered wig – eh?
– And make me your private secretary, John.
– Yes. And I’ll make Father Keon my private chaplain. We’ll have a family party.
Related Themes:
