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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
Part 1
Explanation and Analysis—Piranesi's Journal:
Piranesi relies heavily on dramatic irony to produce tension. One consistent source of irony is Piranesi's journal, which, unbeknownst to Piranesi, betrays several hints to the reader that the world of the House coexists with the real, contemporary world. Take, for example, this passage from Part 1 in which Piranesi discusses how he dates his journal entries:
Reading over what I have just written, I have realised something. I have used two systems to number the years. How could I not have noticed this before?
[...]
In accordance with the first system I have named two years 2011 and 2012. This strikes me as deeply pedestrian. [...] According to the second system I have given the years names like ‘The Year I named the Constellations’ and ‘The Year I counted and named the Dead’. I like this much more. It gives each year a character of its own. This is the system I shall use going forward.
Related Themes:
Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Piranesi's Generosity:
One of the central ironies of Piranesi's character is his generosity, which at times borders on naivety. Take, for example, his rationalization of the Other's mysterious access to a wide range of goods:
Unlock with LitCharts A+That being said, it occurs to me to wonder why it is that the House gives a greater variety of objects to the Other than to me, providing him with sleeping bags, shoes, plastic bowls, cheese sandwiches, notebooks, slices of Christmas cake etc., etc., whereas me it mostly gives fish. I think perhaps it is because the Other is not as skilled in taking care of himself as I am. He does not know how to fish.
Related Themes:
Part 5
Explanation and Analysis—The Ritual:
During Sorensen's visit, Dr. Ketterley performs a ritual that he says will transport the two of them to the House. Sorensen's lighthearted reaction to the ritual proves bitterly ironic:
Unlock with LitCharts A+‘You need to focus on the candle,’ [Dr. Ketterley] said.
So I did.
But at the same time, I was thinking about that pale square in the dark patch and the candlestick fitting into it. And that was the point at which I realised that he was lying. The candle had stood in that precise spot many, many times and he had performed this ritual over and over again. He still believed. He still thought he could reach the other world.
I wasn’t afraid, only incredulous and amused.
Related Themes:
