“At a time like this, scorching irony, not convincing argument, is needed.” –Frederick Douglas
In your discussion this week: we will talk IRONY in all its contrary glory!
Irony is the art of expressing one thing in order to powerfully express something altogether different: it is a literary device in which what is said means the exact opposite. In “Hills Like White Elephants,” when Jig states “I am fine,” we, the reader, know she is anything but fine, and with each repetition, this ironic statement becomes even more powerful in expressing the exact opposite. Though the conversation at one level is chatty and even whimsical, there is a seriousness, a deep discomfort, distance and disconnect, all that creates tension and unease, recounting what is really going on.
As Douglas states above: irony does a better job of the truth than any other straightforward argument.
In this week’s discussion:
(1) Consider the ways in which Gilman’s Yellow Wallpaper or Poe’s Tell-TaleHeart also uses irony and the Iceberg Theory,as in Jig’s exclamation quoted above: how does this compare to Gilman’s and Poe’s protagonists expressing their “state of their health”. In any of these 3 short stories, is anyone really fine?
(2) Respond to a fellow student stating if you agree or disagree with their comparison: State your reasons for your opinion, supporting your opinion with logic, explanation and example.
(3) Respond to the professor’s queries.If I post questions to you, they are to guide you further as well as help you to complete the assignment in full.
Your critical-thinking challenge in this discussion:
Your original post must provide detailed explanation but cannot exceed 100 words; beyond 100 words, it will not be read. Make sure every word is meaningful to your purpose, as you keep in mind, this is discussion, not short answer. Keep it short, but make it meaningful!