Irony in the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Essay

Irony in the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Many of the events in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck do not result in the expected manner. Although the Joads seem to be traveling in hope, irony seems to conquer several situations. There are three types of irony: in dramatic irony, the reader sees the characters mistakes, but not the character. In verbal irony, the author means something rather than what is said. Irony of situation is when there is a paradox between the purpose of an action and its result. By observing several situations during the novel, such as the events of the Weedpatch Camp, the death of Casey, and Chapter 29, much irony can be distinguished. During the stay of the Joads in the Weedpatch Camp,†¦show more content†¦First, they search for evil in meaningless fun while filling guilt into the people of the camp. Also, the condemners just watch what occurs instead of making change. Therefore, it seems as though they are enjoying and willing to see sin. To sum up, they are guilty themselves, and it is ironic how the Jesus-lovers see hate instead of love. In all, irony remains as these people misunderstand situations of joy. The instance of Caseys death in Chapter 26, the comparison of the Biblical allusion to Jesus death becomes ironic in situation. As Jim Casey waits in front of a tent of the labor organizers, a group of angry men approach with pick handles. Apparently, the men are outraged at the pay of the peach picking camp, for the price is not sufficient to support families with food. Filled with wrath, these 30 men club Casey in the head, killing him instantly. Beforehand, Casey speaks: Casey stared blindly at the light. He breathed heavily. Listen, he said. You fellas don know what youre doin. Youre helpin to starve kids. (527) The irony of the situation is that Casey works to keep the pay up for the workers in the camp. 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