Situational Irony
Oliver Twist
by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist: Situational Irony 1 key example

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:

"Dear me, I forgot all about it!" exclaimed the absent old gentleman, innocently.

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:

"Dear me, I forgot all about it!" exclaimed the absent old gentleman, innocently.

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