The Giver

by Lois Lowry

The Giver: Situational Irony 2 key examples

Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Dishonorable Assignment:

There is a great deal of contradiction and situational irony in the Community's beliefs and attitudes. One example of situational irony occurs in Chapter 3, when Lily says that she would like to be a Birthmother when she is older:

“I think newchildren are so cute,” Lily sighed. “I hope I get assigned to be a Birthmother.”

“Lily!” Mother spoke very sharply. “Don’t say that. There’s very little honor in that Assignment.”

Chapter 19
Explanation and Analysis—Disposable Twin:

In Chapter 19, Jonas watches a recording of his father killing a baby and disposing of its body down a trash chute. The trash chute is a metaphor that emphasizes the shocking situational irony at play in this scene:

It seemed to be the same sort of chute into which trash was deposited at school.

His father loaded the carton containing the body into the chute and gave it a shove.

“Bye-bye, little guy,” Jonas heard his father say before he left the room. Then the screen went blank.

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