Structural and Textural Irony Essay - 999 Words

Literary elements such as metaphors, similes, alliteration, the use of personification, and the use of irony are primary tools and building blocks for great literature. With the incorporation of literary elements, an insignificant story of occurrences can be transformed into a literary work of art presenting depth and purpose to its audience. While many short stories are flooded with a number of various literary elements, Zora Neale Hurstons Sweat, William Sydney Porters The Last Leaf, Guy de Maupassants The Necklace, and Nathaniel Hawthorns The Birthmark are prime examples of short stories that are built around the distinct element of irony. Irony is emphasized throughout these four short stories to draw the reader into the†¦show more content†¦William Sydney Porter also throws a premature textural irony at the reader in the sixth paragraph of his short story The Last Leaf. Has she anything on her mind? asks the doctor in regard to Johnsys lack of desire to fight off pneumo nia. When Sue answers the doctor, his reply is Paint? - bosh! Has she anything on her mind worth thinking about twice..., thus indicating that painting couldnt possibly be of any importance to anyone. The emphasis of this textual irony is slowly revealed as the subject of painting becomes more and more referred to throughout the story. This textual irony also leads the reader further into the story by establishing a reoccurring theme that intrigues the audience. Eventually it becomes apparent that painting is the sole reason that Johnsy is able to stay alive, therefore the act of painting encompasses more importance than the initial credit afforded to it by the doctor. This is an excellent example of textual irony rather than structural irony because the irony that lies within the theme of painting is very subtle and not necessarily plot driven; painting is just a minor detail as to how the older man saves the girl. The overpowering structural irony present in this story is that the older man dies of pneumoniaShow MoreRelatedHumanities11870 Words   |  48 Pagescasts these constructions in bronze. Louise Nevelson used cut and shaped pieces of wood, gluing and nailing them together to form fantastic, complex compositions. Painted a single tone, (usually black or white), her sculptures are graphic, textural facades of shapes, patterns and shadow. Traditional African masks often combine different materials. The elaborate Kanaga Mask from Mali uses wood, fibers, animal hide and pigment to construct another worldly visage that changes from human