Final answer:
The statement is ironic because it demonstrates Miss Strangeworth's lack of self-awareness and her possible role in the disturbances she observes, creating a contrast between her perception and the actual situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, "Many people seemed disturbed recently, Miss Strangeworth thought," is ironic because it shows a character that appears to be observant but perhaps unaware of her own involvement in the disturbances. Often, this type of irony is used to subtly criticize a character's understanding of their own impact on their surroundings. Miss Strangeworth's lack of self-awareness can be seen as a critique of her character, and the ironic nature of the statement could be hinting at a deeper level of narrative complexity.
Using irony as a literary device, authors can engage readers by presenting a contrast between what is said and what is meant, or between what a character perceives and what the audience understands to be true. It often creates a dialogue between the writer and reader, inviting the latter to look beyond the surface of the characters and the plot.