The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian: Dramatic Irony 1 key example

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 23 – Wake
Explanation and Analysis—Ted the Collector:

Chapter 23 revolves around Grandmother Spirit's wake, but the somber day ends in laughter over the situational and dramatic irony surrounding a White stranger. The stranger, Ted, confesses to collecting American Indian ceremonial clothing but humbly offers to return Grandmother Spirit's stolen dance outfit to her children:

My mother stood and walked up to Ted.

“I’m Grandmother Spirit’s only daughter,” she said.

My mother’s voice had gotten all formal. Indians are good at that. We’ll be talking and laughing and carrying on like normal, and then, BOOM, we get all serious and sacred and start talking like some English royalty.

“Dearest daughter,” Ted said. “I hereby return your stolen goods. I hope you forgive me for returning it too late.”

“Well, there’s nothing to forgive, Ted,” my mother said. “Grandmother Spirit wasn’t a powwow dancer.”