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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
Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Narratorial Sarcasm:
The narrator makes frequent use of verbal irony, both for humor and as a way of criticizing unjust people and institutions. A good example of the narrator's verbal irony is in Chapter 2, when the narrator describes the woman who is charged with caring for Oliver and other orphaned children in the parish:
Sevenpence-halfpenny’s worth per week is a good round diet for a child; a great deal may be got for sevenpence-halfpenny—quite enough to overload its stomach, and make it uncomfortable. The elderly female was a woman of wisdom and experience; she knew what was good for children, and she had a very accurate perception of what was good for herself. So, she appropriated the greater part of the weekly stipend to her own use, [...] proving herself a very great experimental philosopher.
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Unjust Situations:
The novel makes frequent use of situational irony, especially in the first half, as a way of currying sympathy for Oliver and commenting on the unfairness of his circumstances. For example, in Chapter 11, situational irony arises when the magistrate asks Mr. Brownlow if he paid for the book he is holding:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Dear me, I forgot all about it!" exclaimed the absent old gentleman, innocently.
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Unwitting Criminal:
Instances of dramatic irony often emphasize Oliver's inherent innocence and the fact that he is clueless about crime. In Chapter 10, for example, Oliver is horrified to discover what has been obvious to the readers and other characters:
Unlock with LitCharts A+What was Oliver's horror and alarm as he stood a few paces off, looking on with his eye-lids as wide open as they would possibly go, to see the Dodger plunge his hand into this old gentleman's pocket, and draw from thence a handkerchief, which he handed to Charley Bates, and with which they both ran away round the corner at full speed.
Related Themes:
Chapter 11
Explanation and Analysis—Unjust Situations:
The novel makes frequent use of situational irony, especially in the first half, as a way of currying sympathy for Oliver and commenting on the unfairness of his circumstances. For example, in Chapter 11, situational irony arises when the magistrate asks Mr. Brownlow if he paid for the book he is holding:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Dear me, I forgot all about it!" exclaimed the absent old gentleman, innocently.
Related Themes:
Chapter 22
Explanation and Analysis—Unwitting Criminal:
Instances of dramatic irony often emphasize Oliver's inherent innocence and the fact that he is clueless about crime. In Chapter 10, for example, Oliver is horrified to discover what has been obvious to the readers and other characters:
Unlock with LitCharts A+What was Oliver's horror and alarm as he stood a few paces off, looking on with his eye-lids as wide open as they would possibly go, to see the Dodger plunge his hand into this old gentleman's pocket, and draw from thence a handkerchief, which he handed to Charley Bates, and with which they both ran away round the corner at full speed.
Related Themes:
