Irony In The Stolen Party

American Essayist Agnes Repplier once noted that “humor brings insight and tolerance, while irony brings a deeper and less friendly understanding.” Repplier's argument explores the harsh role of irony in human life. In “The Stolen Party" by Liliana Heker, Repplier’s quote is portrayed when Rosaura’s mother blatantly told her the truth of her friendship and when Senora Ines offered money instead of a blue or pink goodie bag. In "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl, Repplier’s quote is shown when Sam says it’s impossible for Mary to have killed Patrick and when the officers eat the murder weapon.

In “The Stolen Party” by Lilana Heker, there are two instances where irony is used. The first moment would be in the very beginning. On the first page

‘Listen, Rosaura,’ she said at last. ‘That one’s not your friend. You know what you are to them? The maid’s daughter, that’s what.’” This quote uses verbal irony as Rosaura’s mother, Herminia, refers to Luciana as Rosaura’s friend, even though she has made it evidently clear that she believes otherwise, even going as far as explaining why she doesn’t think so after that statement. Additionally, this portrays Repplier’s quote as Herminia harshly told Rosaura her views on the situation in an attempt to bring her daughter down to her own reality. The second instance of irony was used when Rosaura was offered money instead of a bracelet or yo-yo at the end of the party. On the last page, it says, “Senora Ines didn’t look in the pink bag… not the blue bag. Instead she rummaged in her purse. In her hand appeared two bills. ‘You really and truly deserved this,’ she said, handing them over. ‘Thank you for your help, my pet.’” This shows situational irony as Rosaura did not expect to be

The one time I noticed irony being used was when Sam gave his statement to the police. On page six of “Lamb to the Slaughter,” it says, “...she heard a few of the whispered phrases-- ‘acted quite normal… very cheerful… wanted to give him a good supper… peas… cheesecake… impossible that she…’” This is very ironic as Sam has made it clear that he does not believe she killed her husband, even going as far as saying it was impossible for her to do so, when she in fact did. This situation relates to Repplier’s quote as Sam’s response makes the reader realize how Mary is not going to get caught as the murderer without explicitly stating so. Another time irony was used was when the police officers conversed while they ate the lamb leg Mary had prepared. On page seven of the short story, the officers eat the lamb leg. It says, ‘“That’s a hell of a big club the guy must’ve used to hit poor Patrick,’ one of them was saying. ‘The doc says his skull was smashed all to pieces just like from a sledgehammer.’” This is ironic because the officers ponder about what weapon was used in the murder of Patrick Maloney, when it was-- quite literally-- right under their noses and making their way into their stomach. Repplier’s quote can be applied here as the unknowingness the officers have from the dark truth makes the reader understand the irony of the