Final Answer:
The irony in Reverend Hawthorne's statement is that it contradicts his active role in the witch trials, where he plays a pivotal role in persecuting those accused of witchcraft. This disjunction between his professed disapproval and his direct involvement in the trials adds a layer of complexity and irony to his character in the narrative.Option c)
Step-by-step explanation:
The irony in Reverend Hawthorne's statement lies in the fact that it contradicts his active role in the witch trials. While his statement suggests a disapproval of witchcraft, Reverend Hawthorne is, in reality, a key figure in the trials, contributing to the hysteria and persecution of individuals accused of witchcraft. The incongruity between his avowed stance and his actual actions creates the irony in his statement.
Reverend Hawthorne's statement reveals the duplicity and hypocrisy within the character. On the surface, he appears to condemn witchcraft, fostering the impression of moral rectitude. However, when considering his participation in the trials, the irony becomes evident. This disjunction between his words and deeds adds complexity to his character, highlighting the moral ambiguity and contradictions within the context of the witch trials.
In literary terms, this type of irony is situational irony, where there is a disconnection between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. Reverend Hawthorne's seemingly anti-witchcraft statement, when juxtaposed with his active role in the trials, creates a nuanced layer of meaning, contributing to the overall depth and complexity of the narrative.
So correct option is c) It contradicts his role in the witch trials.