Previous
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
Key Examples in The Giver
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Dishonorable Assignment:
There is a great deal of contradiction and situational irony in the Community's beliefs and attitudes. One example of situational irony occurs in Chapter 3, when Lily says that she would like to be a Birthmother when she is older:
“I think newchildren are so cute,” Lily sighed. “I hope I get assigned to be a Birthmother.”
“Lily!” Mother spoke very sharply. “Don’t say that. There’s very little honor in that Assignment.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Releasing Room:
In Chapter 4, Jonas discusses Release with Larissa. Their conversation contains dramatic irony and verbal irony that work together to reveal the start of a power struggle between individual citizens and the Committee:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Jonas grinned. “I wish I’d been there to see [the Release].”
Larissa frowned. “I don’t know why they don’t let children come. Not enough room, I guess. They should enlarge the Releasing Room.”
“We’ll have to suggest that to the committee. Maybe they’d study it,” Jonas said slyly, and Larissa chortled with laughter.
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Sledding Through Memory:
In Chapter 10, the Giver tries to tell Jonas what it feels like to Receive and hold all the memories of the past. There is an important moment of dramatic irony when the Giver realizes that his imagery is ineffective:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“[Receiving memories is] like going downhill through deep snow on a sled,” [the Giver] said, finally. “At first it’s exhilarating: the speed; the sharp, clear air; but then the snow accumulates, builds up on the runners, and you slow, you have to push hard to keep going, and—”
He shook his head suddenly, and peered at Jonas. “That meant nothing to you, did it?” he asked.
Jonas was confused. “I didn’t understand it, sir.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 19
Explanation and Analysis—Disposable Twin:
In Chapter 19, Jonas watches a recording of his father killing a baby and disposing of its body down a trash chute. The trash chute is a metaphor that emphasizes the shocking situational irony at play in this scene:
Unlock with LitCharts A+It seemed to be the same sort of chute into which trash was deposited at school.
His father loaded the carton containing the body into the chute and gave it a shove.
“Bye-bye, little guy,” Jonas heard his father say before he left the room. Then the screen went blank.
Related Themes:
