Structural and Textural Irony

997 Words2 Pages

Literary elements such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, the use of personification, and the use of irony are primary tools and building blocks for great literature. With the incorporation of literary elements, an insignificant story of occurrences can be transformed into a literary work of art presenting depth and purpose to its audience. While many short stories are flooded with a number of various literary elements, Zora Neale Hurston's "Sweat", William Sydney Porter's "The Last Leaf", Guy de Maupassant's "The Necklace", and Nathaniel Hawthorn's "The Birthmark" are prime examples of short stories that are built around the distinct element of irony. Irony is emphasized throughout these four short stories to draw the reader into the story, express an underlying moral warning, and establish depth that in turn prompts discussion. A short story is exactly that, short. With that said, the previous four authors waste no time at all incorporating structural and textural irony into their stories in order to compel, provoke and intrigue the reader. For example, Zora Neale Hurston makes no haste incorporating textual irony into the opening of her short story "Sweat." Before there is any time for character development, Hurston's main character is frightened by a bull whip resembling a snake at the opening of the third paragraph. Thereafter the reader is exposed to Delia's frightened nature in regard to snakes. In the following line, ."..her poor little body, her bare knuckly hands bravely defying the strapping hulk before her..." we are also exposed to Delia's defiance and lack of fear to her abusive husband. The underlying irony here is that Delia is terrified of snakes rather than her husband whom is apparently more treacherous ... ... middle of paper ... ...into works of literary art. In particular, structural and textural ironies, in conjunction with other literary elements, can add dimension to short stories to help enhance their literary merit. The dynamics of these short stories are then studied for years and years in the scholarly world. Through the use of the previous four short stories the impact and influence derived from textual and structural ironies are exemplified in great detail. Zora Neale Hurston, William Sydney Porter, Guy de Maupassant, and Nathaniel Hawthorn heavily incorporate these two forms of irony into their stories in order to achieve a greater literary merit. While doing so structural and textural ironies have managed to also intrigue their audiences to read further, present a moral warning to their readers, and finally provoke discussion through adding depth and purpose to their contents.

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