Irony in Action: Analyzing The Necklace and The Gift of the Magi

There are many different versions of irony. For example, verbal irony is when someone states something and means the opposite. Another version is a situational irony which is when an event that is contrary to what was expected. Finally dramatic irony is when the audience knows details the character does not know. These stories that are about to be listed all use irony in some matter.

The Necklace is a story about a Madame named Mathilde. She was invited to a party but would not go without something suitable to wear. She asks one of her friends Madame Forestier to borrow and nice necklace. Mathilde wears it to the party and ends up losing the Necklace that she thought was very valuable. She then spent 10 years paying back the necklace then found out the necklace was fake all along. This story has good examples of situational irony. Matilhdewants to be in the upper class and ends up in an even lower class than before. She wants to be rich but doesn't know the difference between real and fake jewelry.

The Gift Of The Magi is a story about a poor young couple, Della and Jim, and Della only has 1.87$ to spend on Jim for Christmas. Della decides to cut her hair to get money to buy Jim a watch band. Jim decides to sell his watch to get Della combs for her luxurious hair. When they get home and open presents they then realize that they had both made a very big mistake. This story influences both situational and dramatic irony. Della cuts her hair off for Jim and Jim sells his watch for her which is situational. As soon as Della opens her gift the readers know that both of the gifts are useless which is dramatic irony. 

In conclusion, an irony is a powerful tool that writers use to engage their readers and create unexpected twists in their stories. The three stories discussed in this essay - The Necklace, The Gift of the Magi, and a brief mention of dramatic irony - all demonstrate different types of irony. The Necklace showcases situational irony, as Mathilde's desire for social status ultimately leads to her downfall. The Gift of the Magi, on the other hand, features both situational and dramatic irony, as Della and Jim's selfless acts of love end up being futile due to their sacrifices canceling each other out. These stories remind us of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of looking beyond material possessions and social status. By incorporating irony into their stories, authors are able to convey deeper meanings and provide their readers with memorable and thought-provoking experiences.