Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in a non-literal way to express a hidden or contradictory meaning. Irony can be used to create humor or to make a point.
In literature, irony is often used to make a character seem foolish or to create a contrast between what is said and what is actually true. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a classic example of irony in literature. The novel is set in a Nigerian village and tells the story of a man named Okonkwo. Okonkwo is a proud and successful man, but he is also very violent. He is constantly beating his wives and children, and he even kills a man at one point.
Despite all of his violence, Okonkwo is considered to be a good man by his community. He is respected for his success and for his strength. However, things begin to fall apart for Okonkwo when he is exiled from his village. He returns to find that his village has been taken over by the British and that his son has converted to Christianity.
The irony in Things Fall Apart is that Okonkwo, a man who has always been so proud and sure of himself, is ultimately brought down by his own fear and insecurity. He is a man who has always been afraid of change, and in the end, it is change that destroys him.
Other related questions:
What is the irony in literature?
The term irony is often used in literature to describe a situation in which the expectations of the characters or readers are not met. This can create a sense of humor or tension in the story.
What is the irony of Okonkwo’s exile?
The irony of Okonkwo’s exile is that it is precisely what he had always feared and tried to avoid. In his exile, he is cut off from his family, friends, and everything he knows and loves. He is also forced to confront the failure of his own life and the things he has taken for granted.
What is the literature of Things Fall Apart?
Things Fall Apart is a novel by Chinua Achebe that tells the story of the Igbo people in Nigeria during the colonial period.
What is ironic about Okonkwo killing himself?
It is ironic that Okonkwo kills himself because he is such a strong and proud man. He has always been determined to succeed and to be the best at everything he does. However, when he is faced with the prospect of being exiled from his home, he realizes that he is powerless. He cannot bear the thought of living in shame and humiliation, so he takes his own life.