WAEC Literature in English 2019 Theory — Question 11

Model answer

Points to develop: Varieties of irony in the novel; The murder of Alfonso the Good; Bianca's intimation to Matilda that Theodore and Isabella are having romantic understanding of each other; A dramatic irony unfolds; Mistaken identities. There are instances of irony in the novel, namely: verbal, dramatic and situational irony. These instances of irony advance the plot and contribute to the theme of mistaken identity in the novel. The first instance of irony in the novel is the murder of Alfonso the Good by a chamberlain he trusted (Don Ricardo, the usurper). No one could have thought that Don Ricardo could have murdered Alfonso. Their relationship was so cordial and Alfonso had confided so much in Don Ricardo. Alfonso was thought to have been killed in the war until this truth is brought to the fore through Father Jerome's narration. Another instance of irony in the novel is Bianca's intimation to Matilda that Theodore and Isabella are having romantic understanding of each other, which later turns out to be so not. The relationship between Theodore and Isabella is initially platonic. Theodore has helped Isabella through the trapdoor. Their situations are identical (being threatened by Manfred). They are not making love as thought by Bianca. A dramatic irony unfolds when Manfred decides to execute Theodore and Father Jerome pleads on his behalf only to realize at the end that Jerome is his son. Apart from this, Theodore who appears to be a common peasant at his first appearance in the novel turns out to be the rightful heir to the throne of Otranto. The use of irony in the novel contributes to the theme of mistaken identities in the novel. Manfred murders his own daughter (Matilda) in a bid to kill Isabella in a fit of jealousy. Theodore nearly kills Isabella's father (Frederick) after he vows to kill the great knight in her defense. The situational irony plays out in the end when Manfred claims to having a biological relationship with Hippolita, whereas Hippolita has already calmly accepted his offer of divorce. Manfred realizes in the end that the prophecy he has striven to prevent has just come to realization. He realizes that he has lost everything: Conrad, Isabella, Matilda, Hippolita and his family.