IndexSituational IronyDramatic IronyVerbal IronyConclusionIrony is a literary device used to convey a meaning opposite to its literal meaning. In Kate Chopin's short story "Desiree's Baby," the author uses irony to highlight the social, racial, and gender issues prevalent in the 19th-century American South. Through the use of situational, dramatic and verbal irony, Chopin effectively criticizes the prejudices and injustices of the time. This essay will examine the examples of irony present in "Desiree's Baby" and how they contribute to the overall themes of the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Situational Irony Situational irony occurs when the outcome of a situation is different than expected. In "Desiree's Baby", the most significant example of situational irony is the revelation of Armand Aubigny's true heritage. Throughout the story, Armand is portrayed as a proud, wealthy plantation owner deeply committed to upholding the Southern racial hierarchy. However, the final twist in the story comes when it is revealed that it is Armand who has African ancestry, not Desiree. This revelation completely undermines his beliefs and prejudices, highlighting the absurdity of racial discrimination based solely on appearance. Additionally, the fact that Armand was unaware of his heritage adds another level of situational irony. Despite his fervent belief in white superiority, he himself is actually mixed race. This irony serves as a scathing critique of the hypocrisy and ignorance prevalent in society at the time. Dramatic Irony Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader knows something that the characters in the story do not. In "Desiree's Baby", dramatic irony is evident in the way Armand and his family treat Desiree. Although it is eventually revealed that Armand is the one with African ancestry, he blames Desiree for their son's mixed-race heritage. The reader is aware of the child's true paternity, while the characters in the story are not, creating a sense of dramatic irony. Furthermore, the dramatic irony is heightened by the fact that Desiree herself is unaware of her past. She is adopted by the Valmonde family and raised as white, only to be rejected by Armand when her son's race becomes an issue. This serves to highlight the arbitrary and cruel nature of racial discrimination, as well as the tragic consequences it can have on individuals. Verbal Irony Verbal irony occurs when a character says something that is the opposite of what they mean. In "Desiree's Baby", the use of verbal irony is evident in the interactions between Armand and Desiree. For example, when Armand blames Desiree for her son's race, he states, "It means the child is not white; it means you are not white" (Chopin). This statement is a great example of verbal irony, as the reader knows that it is Armand himself who is not white, not Desiree or their child. Furthermore, the final line of the story, “He had not noticed that Armand's bonfire that night was unusually large” (Chopin), is a touching example of verbal irony. The reader understands the significance of the bonfire, which Armand uses to burn all of Desiree's belongings after the revelation of her unknown heritage. This phrase serves as a chilling reminder of the destructive power of prejudice and ignorance, as well as the devastating consequences of Armand's actions. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion by Kate Chopin "Desiree's Baby" is full of.