Situational Irony

Many times authors use irony to prove a point. There are three types of irony: dramatic, verbal, and situational. Situational irony is present in “The Sniper”, “The Most Dangerous Game”, “Gift of the Magi”, and “The Necklace” to help create the theme in the stories. In the story The Sniper situational irony plays a major part in the story.”The lust of battle died in him. He became bitten by remorse” (O’Flanerty). This shows situational irony because he was ready to kill, but when the sniper killed his enemy, he felt awful for what he had done. “The sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brothers face” (O’Flanerty). This statement showed situational irony because the author was trying to make a point that killing someone is like killing your own brother. Situational Irony is also present in The Most Dangerous Games. An example is when Whitney and Rainsford are talking about if the hunted have feelings. Later in the story Rainsford finds out what it is like to be hunted (Connel 216). This showed irony because what Whitney and Rainsford came true. The irony also helps support the theme of treat others the way you want to be treated. “One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. He had never slept in a better bed Rainsford decided” (Connel 225). The situational irony in this quote is that General Zaroff was fed to his hounds that he sent to go kill Rainsford. In The Gift of the Magi there are some strong examples of situational irony. “I sold my watch to get the money for your combs”(Henry 251). “And now, they were hers, but the tresses that should have adorned the courted adornments were gone” (Henry 251). These quotes showed situational irony because Della sold her hair and got hair combs. Also Jim sold his watch but got a chain for his watch as his present (Henry 251). This quote helps the author create the theme because it tells you that the greatest gift is giving. The quote showed