The novel prepared by the genius of Literature Orwell 1948 is a treasure of various philosophical symbols. The author uses various stylistic verbal instruments to reinforce the ironic shadow of this masterpiece. The irony is a literary term which denotes irreconcilable meanings of two or more events. This notion is used in literary works to clarify the readers what some situations mean. This book includes verbal, dramatic, and situational irony to show the real absurdity of that totalitarian regime.
The verbal irony is used in the book 1984 because the whole political system of the depicted anti-utopian world exists in self-contradictory slogans. When the readers see the sentence “War is Peace,” they understand that those notions are absolute antonyms. By using such slogans, Orwell emphasizes on the absurdity of the real and written rules of that government.
By implementing dramatic irony, the writers try to reinforce the nonsense in some situations. These stylistic instruments help the readers understand that additional information which the characters do not see. By explaining some extra circumstances of the situation, readers realize how dramatic the event is. For example, Winston rents a room to write in his secret diary, but the author gives additional instructions in the description of the room. He explains that there are lots of posters with the Big Brother. It means that Winston’s desire to keep something in secret is doomed to failure.
The situational irony is exemplified in Julia’s behavior. The audience knows that she is a loyal member of the anti-sex league which means she should be shy and obedient. However, it becomes clear that she is the one who wears a red sash which is a symbol of sexuality. Unfortunately, her deeds are contradictory to each other during the most time of the unfolding plot.
One of the most obvious irony which can be found in the novel 1948 is hidden in the exact implication to the readers. It can be understood only at the end of the plot. It is true that readers believe in Winston, and they hope that he will overcome the system. This desperate hope is destroyed at the end when the protagonist denies his principles and acknowledges his deification to the leader of the community. It means that the whole plot is one huge irony because the expectations and hopes of the audience were not met. This literary technique of keeping readers in suspense allows the reader to emphasize on the tragedy of the depicted anti-utopian society. Unfortunately, it reminds people of the Soviet Union and other totalitarian countries which promote peace but in reality provoke wars.
The irony is an indispensable part of the Orwell’s novel. This technique is presented in three main types which allow people to see how the irony exists on the verbal, dramatic, and situational levels. The ironic perspective is much closely related to satire. Sometimes they even undergo the interchange mutually. It scares the readers and apprises about the danger of such brainwashing governments.
Author: Cody Owens