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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
9. The Pool of Thanatos
Explanation and Analysis—To Be or Not to Be:
In Chapter 9, after Kerans almost dies in the underwater planetarium, Beatrice insists that it can't have been a suicide attempt. Kerans and Strangman aren't so sure, and Strangman uses an allusion to comment on how delicious he finds the situation:
Strangman shrugged theatrically. ‘It might,’ he repeated with great emphasis. ‘Let’s admit that. It makes it more interesting—particularly for Kerans. ‘Did I or did I not try to kill myself?’ One of the few existential absolutes, far more significant than ‘To be or not to be?’, which merely underlines the uncertainty of the suicide, rather than the eternal ambivalence of his victim.’
Related Themes:
13. Too Soon, Too Late
Explanation and Analysis—Lenient Riggs:
There is a compelling example of situational irony in Chapter 13, which brings up the possibility that Kerans's perspective makes for an unreliable narrator. After Riggs rescues Kerans and Beatrice from Strangman, Kerans is confused about why Riggs is not punishing Strangman for killing Bodkin and attempting to kill Kerans and Beatrice:
Unlock with LitCharts A+‘Why don’t you arrest Strangman?’ he asked.
Riggs laughed shortly. ‘Because there’s absolutely nothing I can hold him on. Legally, as he full well knows, he was absolutely entitled to defend himself against Bodkin, kill him if necessary.’ When Kerans looked round over his shoulder in surprise he continued: ‘Don’t you remember the Reclaimed Lands Act and the Dykes Maintenance Regulations? They’re still very much in force. I know Strangman’s a nasty piece of work—with that white skin and his alligators—but strictly speaking he deserves a medal for pumping out the lagoon....'
Related Themes:
