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
Book 5, Chapter 7
Explanation and Analysis—Ash:
In Minas Tirith, Gandalf arrives at the House of the Stewards to find Denethor preparing a funeral pyre for himself and the gravely wounded Faramir. Though Gandalf saves the son, the father refuses to abandon his despair. The irony lies in the tragic reversal between Denethor’s perception and reality:
‘[Faramir] lies within,’ said Denethor, ‘burning, already burning. They have set a fire in his flesh. But soon all shall be burned. The West has failed. It shall all go up in a great fire, and all shall be ended. Ash! Ash and smoke blown away on the wind!’
Related Themes:
Book 6, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Great Praise:
In Gondor after the Ring’s destruction, Frodo and Sam are led in honor to Aragorn, who is now revealed as king. The narrative frames this moment as a culmination of their long, harrowing journey through Mordor. It might seem natural for the hobbits to bow before Aragorn, acknowledging his new authority as king. Instead, Tolkien introduces situational irony: Aragorn himself stoops to bow before Frodo and Sam.
Unlock with LitCharts A+And then to Sam’s surprise and utter confusion he bowed his knee before them; and taking them by the hand, Frodo upon his right and Sam upon his left, he led them to the throne, and setting them upon it, he turned to the men and captains who stood by and spoke, so that his voice rang over all the host, crying: ‘Praise them with great praise!’
Related Themes:
