The Study Of Imagery In Adrian

In all the aspects of literature, authors use literary devices to add suspense, depth and significance to their works. This concept is valid in 'Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years'; by Sue Townsend . The diary-type story revolves around a young adult named Adrian, who constantly goes through the tragedies of life, but finally with some fortunate fate, achieves to live a life in which he cannot 'fail to see the happiness.'; (p 267) Therefore, in order to make the readers laugh at several tragedies of life, Townsend establishes an accurate use of the literary devices of irony, satire and exaggeration to create a humorous plot.

Irony is a significant literary device, which is used many times to achieve a good sense of humor. A perfect example for a use of irony is seen in the description of the psychologist of the main character, Lenora.

'After all, she was just a psychologist. God ! She wasn't ! Apart from Pandora [his infatuated love] she was probably the loveliest woman I have ever spoken to. I found it hard to take my eyes off her black suede shoes with high heels. '

(p. 35)';

Before the entrance of Adrian to the psychologist's room, he obviously does not expect much of a physical appearance. However, after he enters the room, ironically, Lenora turns out to be a smashing woman. Another use of irony is present in Adrian's description of his mother in the new year's eve:

'As she slopped wine into a plastic glass for me, I could have a chance to take a close look at her. Her lips were surrounded red, her hair was blonde and glossy. Her cleavage wrinkled and her belly protruded from the little black dress (very little) she wore. The poor woman was forty-seven, and twenty-three years older than her second husband.'; (p. 3)

Here, first Mrs. Mole is described as if she is a twenty-year-old girl, but in the end of the description, he reveals her actual age – 47 – which is rather ironic for such an appearance. Last and the most obvious, Adrian's Russia Trip turns out to be ironic:

'Saturday, August 17th: There is no cruise ship. There are no passengers. Each member of our party is paddling their own canoe. I am crouched inside a two-man tent. Outside are swarms of huge, black mosquitoes. They are waiting for me to emerge. With a bit of luck, I will die in my sleep.