Use Of Situational Irony In The Ransom Of Red Chief

Situational irony is used to shock the reader and bring about a feeling of pity from the audience. In the Ransom of Red Chief, by O. Henry, the irony is that the young boy, Johnny is rather excited to be snatched by abductors rather than fearful like most, Which has a humorous effect on the reader. In The Necklace by Guy De Maupassant the situational irony is that the main character, Mathilde is proven to be a “fake”. She lives the first ten years of her life in a feeling of agony instead of doing something useful in the world, which is a depressing point of view on situational irony. Which is unlike the The Ransom Of Red Chief which is a humorous and more comical version of situational irony. In both texts, situational irony is used to enhance the story’s plot.

The story shows an example of situational irony when Johnny, from The Ransom Of Red Chief is described unlike a typical child. A typical child would be frightened by the thought of being abducted in this situation, while Johnny is rather excited and having a marvelous time. Because Johnny has a lot of energy it causes him to be bothersome to the kidnappers, which is unlikely to happen with any other kidnapped child. ‘“Aw what for?’ says he.’I don't have any fun at home’”(8) . The situational irony described in this quote is that the abductors are doing anything they can to get Johnny out of there sight. The irony is represented by Johnny’s desire to stay with the kidnappers rather than return safely to his family. Johnny wants to stay and have a good time with Buffalo Bill, despite the fact that Buffalo Bill is just trying to get him home and not trying to be his new best friend. Even with Bill trying multiple strategies to get him home, Johnny still believes his life with Bill and Sam is better than his boring life at