Examples Of Irony In Good Country People

“Good Country People,” is a classic example of the use of irony as a technique for imbuing a story with meaning. Irony works on many different levels through the piece. Examples of this range from O’ Connors use of clearly ironic dialogue to the dramatic irony that unfolds between Manley and Joy-Hulga. However the most obvious examples can be found in O’Connor’s characterization of these, “Good Country People.” The technique of irony is applied prominently to the character’s names and behaviors to present the contradictions between their expectations and their reality. O’Connor uses her characters to explore common notions regarding, “good” and “bad” people. Using their expectations for one another, O’Connor ultimately expose their

Unlike Alanis Morissette, Flannery O’Connor used irony in a much subtler fashion in her work. O’Conner’s unique use of literary tools is one reason she “is considered one of the best short story authors of the 20th century” (Biography.com ). O’Connor ‘s use of irony is especially evident in the short-story “Good Country People.” Equally important is O’Connor’s use of clichés. The typical cliché lacks any substance. Ironically, clichés expressed in “Good Country People” depict abstract ideas. O’Connor’s unique combination of clichés and irony forces readers discern deeper concepts within the text. However, the readers’ ability to grasp these concepts hinges on paying close attention to the character depictions of Mrs. Hopewell, Hulga Hopewell, and Manely Pointer.

Irony, a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects and is often amusing as a result. Throughout Night there is use of situational and verbal irony. This use of irony keeps the reader interested. The use of irony causes the reader to know things that the characters often are not aware of.

It is often said that irony is the vital literary element to a story because it gives the story character. Whether it changes the mood, creates suspense, adds foreshadowing, engages the reader or something else, irony can do many things for a story.

Irony is a useful tool for giving stories unexpected turns and twists. In Flannery O'Connor's "A Good Man Is Hard to Find," irony is used as a very effective literary tool; to guide the story in and out of what we think will happen. O'Connor uses irony in this story to contradict statements and situations to expose a truth very much different from what "we" the reader would think to be true. O'Connor use irony in several different forms, situational irony, dramatic irony and verbal irony to make the story unpredictable and interesting to read. In most every aspect of the story from beginning to end there is some type of ironic twist. The title itself is some what

"Good Country People" by Flanner O’Connor is an excellent example of the effective use of irony and character development. From start to finish there is a steady progression of irony that stems from the title of Good Country People. Some instances of irony are blatant, but others need a closer reading to find. It’s amazing the complexity of the characters that occurs in such a short span of pages. The success of “Good Country People” comes not only from O’Connor’s use of irony but also from the interplay among and the complexity of her main characters.

Although the character of Joy/Hulga at this point in the story may be completely without irony, the story itself is rich in irony from beginning to end. Particularly the phrase “good country people” has become increasingly ironic. Right down to the end of the story when, (speaking of that “good country person”, Manley Pointer) Mrs. Hopewell says, “I guess the world would be better off if we all were that simple.” Ironically as she speaks Manley Pointer is making off with her daughter Joy/hulga’s wooden leg and her eyeglasses, after abandoning her in the loft of the old

Irony in Canadian Culture When comparing the essay “As Canadian as Possible Under the Circumstances” by Linda Hutcheon and the poem “I’m not the Indian you had in mind” by Thomas King, both authors use figurative language to describe the irony that lingers in Canadian culture. After analyzing both pieces of writing it is recognized both authors use stereotypes in their writing to explain irony in Canadian culture. For example, in King’s poem he states, “I’ve seen him, I’ve seen him ride / Rush of wind, darkening tide / With wolf and eagle by his side” (King lines 2-4). Looking at Linda Hutcheon’s essay more stereotypes are shown when she says, “combined national hero and colourful symbol-a policeman in a funny costume? That the language we speak Canadian is in itself an odd beast” (Hutcheon 332).

Good Country People'; by Flannery O’Connor is an excellent example of irony in literature. From beginning to end it has a steady procession of irony, much of it based on the title of the story: “Good Country People.';

If the entire “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a suit, then the use of irony in the novel will be a nice tie. As a literary device, irony is a powerful tool that adds depth and substance to a piece of writing. In “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, she utilizes irony to give the work ironic power by emphasizing human limitation, creating suspense, and criticizing society. To commence, the novel employs irony to emphasize the human limitation of fate. A case in point is Serena Joy, “in the Growing Souls Gospel Hour.she was the lead soprano” (Atwood 31).

In the stories “Story of an Hour”, “Everyday Use”, “The Necklace”, and “The Lottery” it is evident that irony was quite a large part of the short story. There is situational irony, which is when the situation turns out differently than expected. Also, dramatic irony is present, which is when you as a reader knows more than the character. The authors seem to base their whole story around irony to surprise their readers.

Irony is usually termed as a technique or way or presenting a topic with one meaning, not disclosing to the reader that a totally different thing has happened. For instance, one might say it is ironic to save up the money to buy your dream car and it sells minutes before you get there. In the mind of someone like Edgar Allan Poe, irony can take one a far deeper meaning. One piece of irony is the name of the victim, Fortunato. This is an Italian word suggesting good fortune. (Cummings, 2005) However, we know from the beginning of the story that his fortune is not good. The more one looks for it, sometimes the more minute the irony can be. Take the description of Fortunato:

William Golding, the author of Lord of the Flies, used irony to tell his story of a group of young British boys stranded on a deserted island. The readers can clearly spot the irony in the dialogue and Ralph, one of the main character, is also aware of the irony in his situation. The irony in the novel forces the readers to step aside and think about the hidden meanings the author is trying to express.

Authors use irony in literature in order to give double meanings and make it more interesting to the reader. In the play “ The Death of a Salesman” Arthur Miller uses irony as a strong writing technique in order to express the character's behavior. In “The Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller moments of situational and dramatic irony helps to illustrate the story's theme in which Willy is a man trying yo achieve the American dream, however he have created a world of illusion.

"Irony is a device that protects him (the artist) from the pain of his experience so that he may use it objectively in his art(Susquehanna. "New Critical")." In The Glass Menagerie, it is ironic how Tom speaks badly of his father and his leaving home but in the end he leaves home just like his father, the man "in love with long distances (Williams 30)''. The fact that Amanda wants what is best for her children is ironic because she worries so much over it that she doesn't realize what is best for them.