Final answer:
The final irony at the end of a novel usually presents an unexpected contrast to the ostensible outcome of the story. In the context of Oliver's adoption and the happy climax, the irony may relate to the unexpected consequences or moral complexities that accompany the resolution. This contrast is often a critical commentary on societal norms or expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The final irony in a novel typically reveals something unexpected, a twist that contrasts with what readers were led to believe would happen. In the context of the provided reference, where good people adopt Oliver at the climax of the story, the final irony could be related to an event or detail that goes against the apparent happy ending, providing an unforeseen layer of meaning or outcome. Considering the formats of classic literature, the irony might lie in the juxtaposition of Oliver's past suffering with his eventual fortune, or perhaps in the realization that not all characters have received just resolution despite the happy conclusion for the protagonist.
The resolution of a story, where the narrator may state a lesson learned or allude to an ongoing challenge despite the closing of the narrative arc, is key to understanding the final irony. It might hint at an underlying theme or message that challenges the apparent surface of the ending - happiness, adoption, and resolution might come with overlooked consequences or moral complexities, which could be the kind of irony expected at the end of a novel.
In classic plays like Ibsen's, the irony could be reflected in the audience's reaction to the ending, dictated by the climax and the subsequent falling action. Whether it is backlash, as indicated by the historical information about the play's reception, or introspection prompted by the narrative, this reaction unlocks the final layer of irony, showing the difference between the character's actions within the story and the expectations or norms of society outside it.