Dramatic Use Of Irony In Madame Pernelle

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Irony is also one of the important theme represented in the play. A successful irony is used to make an audience consider what has happened or said to emphasize an idea. Normally when a character is portrayed in an ironic sense, the person can only be saved from previous foolishness by divine intervention. Irony is evident in the words spoken by Madame Pernelle, in Act 1 Scene 1 as she is criticizing Elmire: “Daughter-in-law, please take this well/Behavior such as yours leads straight to hell.” (1.1.27-28). It’s ironic and funny that she considers Elmire’s mild behavior of spending money on fancy clothes sinful yet she praises the man whose actions is corrupt and devious.