Question

Read the passage from "The Monkey's Paw," Part 2.

"What are you going to do?" he whispered hoarsely.
"It's my boy; it's Herbert!" she cried, struggling mechanically. "I forgot it was two miles away.
What are you holding me for? Let go. I must open the door."
"For God's sake don't let it in," cried the old man, trembling.
"You're afraid of your own son," she cried struggling. "Let me go. I'm coming, Herbert; I'm
coming."
In what way is this passage an example of irony?

Answer 1

The passage is an example of situational irony, with the mother's expectation of a joyful reunion clashing with the father's fear of a horrific return.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage from "The Monkey's Paw," Part 2, is an example of situational irony. Situational irony occurs when the actual result of a situation is totally different from what you would expect. In this scenario, the mother is eagerly racing to open the door for what she believes is her son Herbert, indicating a sense of longing for a loved one's return. However, the father's reaction conveys dread and terror at the thought of confronting what is on the other side of that door. The irony lies in the stark contrast between the expected joyful reunion and the father's fear of the horrific possibility that Herbert, altered by the supernatural power of the monkey's paw, is now something to be feared.