Please, I am struggling with these. Can someone help me by answering them? Or at least assisting me to? Thank you in advance to anyone who are able to.
Read each of the following passages of descriptions of events from the play. Identify which type of irony is used in each passage or description. Then briefly explain the contrast of contradiction that occurs in each passage.
1. TRAVELER: So, what do you reckon? Any good, is he? (The DRIVER turns around.) DRIVER: Oh, yes, he's a good one, this one.
My answers:
Type of irony: Irony of situation.
Contrast: Thinking himself to be considered feared among the townspeople, this positive response from the DRIVER contradicts the TRAVELER's impression of himself.
2. He hops on a train just like anyone else, just like you or me. When he gets off, he don't go jumping into a cab or nothing fancy. Oh, no. He wraps himself up from head to toe so you can't see his face, and he wheezes away like an old dog so no one can recognize his voice.
My answers:
Type of irony: ?
Contrast: ?
3. TRAVELER: Very cunning, you were saying.
My answers:
Type of irony: ?
Contrast: ?
4. TRAVELER: And then he pounces, yes? I should think some people must get the surprise of their life. mustn't they?
My answers:
Types of irony: ?
Contrast: ?
5. DRIVER: So there's the inspector-general, all muffled up like a roll of carpet, going secretly along in a cart somewhere, and when he gets there, nothing to be seen but vodka and cold salmon! TRAVELER: (shouts). Turn around!
My answers:
Type of irony: ?
Contrast: ?
Let's break down each passage and identify the type of irony used and the contrast or contradiction that occurs:
1. TRAVELER: So, what do you reckon? Any good, is he? (The DRIVER turns around.) DRIVER: Oh, yes, he's a good one, this one.
Type of irony: Irony of situation.
Contrast: The TRAVELER expects the DRIVER to have a negative opinion of someone, possibly an antagonist. However, the DRIVER's response contradicts this expectation by praising the person in question.
2. He hops on a train just like anyone else, just like you or me. When he gets off, he don't go jumping into a cab or nothing fancy. Oh, no. He wraps himself up from head to toe so you can't see his face, and he wheezes away like an old dog so no one can recognize his voice.
Type of irony: Verbal irony.
Contrast: The description initially presents the person as ordinary, blending in with the crowd. However, the use of "don't go jumping into a cab or nothing fancy" contradicts this initial impression, suggesting that the person behaves in a peculiar and secretive manner.
3. TRAVELER: Very cunning, you were saying.
Type of irony: Sarcasm.
Contrast: The TRAVELER sarcastically acknowledges the DRIVER's statement about someone being cunning. The contrast lies in the implied disbelief or skepticism expressed by the TRAVELER.
4. TRAVELER: And then he pounces, yes? I should think some people must get the surprise of their life, mustn't they?
Type of irony: Dramatic irony.
Contrast: The TRAVELER implies that the person described "pounces" unexpectedly, catching others by surprise. The contrast occurs in the fact that the TRAVELER is aware of this surprise, while others are not.
5. DRIVER: So there's the inspector-general, all muffled up like a roll of carpet, going secretly along in a cart somewhere, and when he gets there, nothing to be seen but vodka and cold salmon! TRAVELER: (shouts). Turn around!
Type of irony: Irony of situation.
Contrast: The DRIVER describes an anticipated situation where the inspector-general is supposed to be present, but ironically, when they arrive, there is nothing but vodka and cold salmon. The TRAVELER's reaction of shouting to turn around highlights the unexpected and contrary outcome.
Let's go through each passage and identify the type of irony used and the contrast or contradiction that occurs.
1. Type of irony: Irony of situation.
Contrast: The TRAVELER expects the DRIVER to have a negative opinion of someone, but the DRIVER actually praises the person, contradicting the TRAVELER's expectation.
2. Type of irony: Verbal irony.
Contrast: The passage describes how the person behaves in a rather suspicious and secretive manner, highlighting their efforts to go unnoticed. This contradicts the initial expectation that the person would simply behave like anyone else, emphasizing the ironic contrast between their actions and the norm.
3. Type of irony: Verbal irony.
Contrast: The TRAVELER sarcastically refers to the person as "very cunning," contrasting their expected intelligence or cleverness with the actual portrayal of the person in the play.
4. Type of irony: Verbal irony.
Contrast: The TRAVELER asks about people getting a surprise in their lives, suggesting a positive or exciting event. However, this contrasts with the truth, as the surprise being referred to is likely negative or unexpected.
5. Type of irony: Irony of situation.
Contrast: The DRIVER describes the inspector-general in a comical way, highlighting absurd elements like being muffled up and finding vodka and salmon instead of something more significant. This ironic contrast between the expected importance of the inspector-general and the humorous description leads the TRAVELER to demand the DRIVER to turn around.
Remember, when identifying the type of irony, consider if it's verbal irony (saying something but meaning the opposite), situational irony (a situation turning out differently than expected), or dramatic irony (the audience knowing something that the characters do not).