Situational Irony In The Ransom Of Red Chief

There are two different ways to develop tone. In the fictional story, “The Ransom of Red Chief,” by O. Henry, the use of irony helps form the tone to be humorous. Many writers use irony in different ways as to what it means, the expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Therefore, creating either the suspense or humorous tone it develops. Both situational and verbal irony are used throughout the story is used in many instances in the story to create humor. One of the first instances of situational irony is when the “would be” kidnappers first carry little “Red Chief” off to their lair. The reader expects the kidnappers to want to keep the child. We would

They would be sneaky and smart, considering to be fearless and not afraid. However, the kidnappers do not behave as the reader would expect, instead they are stupid and actually kind to the kid. They want to get rid of him because they are scared of him. They make it all into a game since they are being nice to him. Instead of the kid being afraid of them, they are frightened of the child. This is clearly explained in the text when it states, “When I got to the cave I found Bill backed up against the side of it, breathing hard, and the boy threatening to smash him with a rock half as big as a cocoanut.” (Henry 3) This creates a humorous tone because you would have thought the boy would be scared of the kidnappers, but it is surprisingly the other way around. Another instance of situational irony is when “Red Chief” begins to speak with the kidnappers. One would expect that a child who has been kidnapped would be shy and say very little. He would be possibly confused of his surroundings and act timid. Also he would be obedient, do what he is told, so that

‘I don’t have any fun at home. I hate to go to school. I like to camp out. You won’t take me back home again, Snake-eye, will you?’ ‘Not right away,’ says I. ‘We’ll stay here in the cave a while.’ ‘All right! Says he. ‘That’ll be fine. I never had such fun in all my life.’ (Henry 2) This helps develop a humorous tone because instead of begging to go home, he begs to stay because he has a better time there than home. A final example of situational irony is when “Red Chief’s” father responds to the ransom note. The reader expects that the father will be willing to pay anything to get his son back. We would think that he is worried, anxious, and upset for his child. Also, he would feel angry at the kidnappers for stealing his son. Again, the father does not react as expected, instead he is not worried one bit. In fact he knows how hard it is to live with him and knows that the kidnappers will not be able to deal with him for so long, that they will eventually bring him back home. This is clearly described in the text when it portrays, “You bring Johnny home and pay me two hundred and fifty dollars in cash, and I agree to take him off your hands.” (Henry 8) This is the ultimate tool in creating a humorous tone because one would expect that the