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Literary Devices
Definition of Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a... read full definition
Part 4
Explanation and Analysis—Ask Blevins:
John Grady tells the story of his journey to a group of children he meets on his way to meet Alejandra. They try to advise him on how to win over Alejandara and ironically suggest that he ask Blevins to tell the truth to her family, since they do not know he has died:
When he was done they sat in silence and finally the girl said that what he must do is bring the boy to the grandmother so that he would tell her that he was the one at fault and John Grady said that this was not possible because the boy was dead.
This irony underscores the fact that the key to uncovering the truth has been lost ,and justice for John Grady or Blevins is now impossible. The Captain's needless violence has made John Grady's fate certain, but the suggestion of the children reminds the reader that this was not inevitable: the Captain chose to accept the bribe that sealed the fate of the two boys. This ironic moment suggests that while sometimes people are powerless to change their own fate, someone else may have that power—and that when this power is wielded wantonly, great tragedy can occur.
Related Themes:
