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Dialect
Definition of Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a... read full definition
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Income Tax:
In Chapter 7, Achebe foreshadows an event that will become one of the factors in Obi's eventual decision to accept bribes:
But six months might be long enough for things to improve a little. No one told him about income tax. That was to come, but not for another two months.
The phrase “that was to come” is a direct instance of foreshadowing: Achebe explicitly declares an event that will occur later in the novel. This instance is one of a range of moments when Achebe reminds readers of Obi’s broader trajectory and his slide into corruption—starting with the beginning of the novel during Obi’s trial, and ending with his arrest at the novel’s conclusion.
This is also an example of dramatic irony: from this point forward, the reader knows that Obi will be caught off guard by an income tax, but Obi himself does not. This contrast instills foreboding in the reader. It is already clear that Obi is struggling to keep up financially; the knowledge of the looming income tax makes readers guess what will eventually drive Obi to accept bribes.
This passage also accentuates the difference between formal education and knowing the ways of life in Lagos. Despite his education and intelligence, Obi doesn’t know to expect an income tax. He is ignorant of the systems he lives within, which are systems of colonialism: no amount of study can prepare him for the realities and injustices of life in colonial Lagos.
Related Themes:
Chapter 18
Explanation and Analysis—Obi's Mother's Death:
Obi's reaction to the death of his mother in Chapter 18 includes an example of dramatic irony. In response to the news, the Umuofia Progressive Union concludes:
“This boy that we are all talking about, what has he done? He was told that his mother died and he did not care. It is a strange and surprising thing, but I can tell you that I have seen it before. His father did it.”
But Obi feels differently:
Obi had been utterly prostrated by the shock of his mother’s death.
Readers are exposed to both these perspectives—the reality of Obi’s feelings and the way they’re perceived by the Union—and can therefore note the contrast between them. One effect of this contrast is to elevate the tragedy of the event: not only has Obi’s mother died, but he is thought to be utterly callous and unaffected by it, despite the fact that they had a close bond.
Another effect is to highlight the way misunderstandings and mistakes can guide important events. The Union’s misunderstanding of Obi’s emotions isolates Obi from his kin at a time of tragedy and increasingly overwhelming financial burden. This is one of many factors that cause Obi to eventually begin accepting bribes. The misunderstanding can’t be remedied, and ends up manifesting in material and consequential ways. This situation is representative of how systemic corruption functions more broadly in the novel: mistakes or deceits of communication have very real, material effects.
Related Themes:
