Identities Wd Valgardson Summary

W.D. Valgardson’s, “Identities,” is a shocking, ironic short story that follows the misadventure of a lost man in search of a new identity. Valgardson utilizes dramatic and situational irony in the events of the story to develop the theme: people are often predisposed to passing judgement based on appearance rather than fact. The dramatic irony unfolds throughout the story with the police officer who is suspicious of the protagonist and pursues him. Guilt-ridden and anxious to return home after losing himself in a rougher part of town, the man searches for the nearest phone, oblivious of the police car that “nose[s] out and follows” him. The police officer’s quick judgement of the protagonist emphasizes the theme of how people often judge others

of the car,” which is a grey Mercedes Benz - a rare sight to see in the area. Moreover, the police officer “has been trained to see an unshaven man in blue jeans as a potential thief,” further proving the point of how he made his decision based on stereotyping. Consequently, Valgardson’s use of dramatic irony informs the reader of the police officer’s rash judgements, while leaving the protagonist unaware of his situation, which allows him to effectively develop the aforementioned theme. Following the dramatic irony of the story, the use of situational irony occurs on two accounts: first, between the protagonist and a group of intimidating young men, and second, between the protagonist and the police officer. As the protagonist approaches the store, he is daunted by a group of men dressed in “fringed leather vests,” judging them based on their rough exterior. In the face of what he assumes is danger, the protagonist hopes his appearance will “provide immunity” and prevent confrontation with the men. In addition, the protagonist even devises an escape plan in the event that he is accosted, “slip[ing] a ten-dollar bill into his back pocket.” Ironically, the real danger is behind