Answer:
The theme of "The Story of the Bad Little Boy" by Mark Twain is that bad behavior is not always punished, and sometimes the wicked even prosper. The author uses irony to convey this idea by presenting a story in which the main character, Jim, consistently does bad things but never seems to face any consequences. This is ironic because in traditional morality tales, bad behavior is punished, and good behavior is rewarded. However, in this story, the opposite is true.
For example, when Jim steals apples from a farmer, he is not caught, and the farmer's dog is blamed instead. This is ironic because it is the innocent dog that suffers the consequences of Jim's bad behavior. Similarly, when Jim lies to his mother about breaking a sugar bowl, he is not punished, but his brother Tom is caned for the offense. This is also ironic because the innocent Tom is punished while Jim gets away with his misdeeds.
In conclusion, the author's utilization of irony contributes to the theme of the story by highlighting the idea that bad behavior is not always punished and that sometimes the wicked prosper. The examples of Jim's misdeeds and the lack of consequences he faces demonstrate this irony and contribute to the overall message of the text