The Bet Irony Examples

1. Dramatic Irony

1.1. This is dramatic irony, as the lawyer believes that life imprisonment is better than execution, as the prisoner still gets to have a life. But throughout the story, the lawyer starts to realize that having a life relies on others, and begins to realize how bad life is and starts having a negative outlook.

2. Situational Irony

2.1. The banker, not wanting to pay the 2 million pounds, plots to kill the lawyer, before going into the lawyer's cell and reading the lawyer's letter. The lawyer plans to leave 5 minutes before he wins, forfeiting the cash prize and contradicts his statement at the beginning of the passage, wanting the money.

3. Verbal Irony

3.1. This is verbal irony, from the banker's thoughts. In part one of the passage, it says,"He's only forty years old. He will take away my last farthing, marry, enjoy life, gamble on the Exchange, and I will look on like an envious beggar and hear the same words from him every day: 'I'm obliged to you for the happiness of my life. Let me help you.' No, it's too much!" This verbal irony is showing the contempt the banker has for the lawyer's persistence.

4. Dramatic Irony

4.1. This is dramatic irony, because at the beginning of the story, the banker brags how two million pounds is nothing, and he will gladly pay provided the lawyer makes the 15 years.