Irony Usage in the Short Story "The Painted Door" By: Ross Sinclair

Ross Sinclair used, the literary device, irony in many ways throughout his short story "The Painted Door." This short story takes place in the great depression of the 1930's in Saskatchewan during a horrific blizzard. Two of the three characters, Ann and Steven, are the main cause of most of the irony expressed in this short story. The irony is what makes this particular short story so tragic and dramatic. There are several examples of irony that dramatically affected the mood to be found throughout this entire story.

The first example of irony that sets the mood of this short story, was how it was John who had invited Steven over to play card and to keep, his wife, Ann company while he was away helping out at his father's farm. Little did John know it would turn out that Steven and Ann sleep together. Therefore giving this story an unenthusiastic mood to start off with.

Five Stories (short story collection)

The first short story from the reader participatio...

[Portrait of Imogene Coca, Mary Lou Williams, and ...

The second example that had an effect on the story significantly is how Steven continuously was trying to convince Ann that John would not be coming home that evening, even despite the fact that Ann tells us he has come in every storm in the years previously. The irony is that John kept his word just like Ann had said he would, but although she knew the truth by saying these things about John she still slept with Steven.

The third example of irony is how Ann comes to realize how John was the only man for her. It took her having sex with Steven for her to grasp it was John she loved not Steven. This is ironic for the reason that in the beginning of this short story Ann kept complaining about John's looks and way of doing things, and...