Irony And Conflict

Irony is a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated. 


1. There are three types of irony. List them
The three types of irony are: 1. Situational Irony
                                           2. Verbal Irony
                                           3. Dramatic Irony

Situational Irony is when the opposite of what is expected to occur, happens.

Verbal Irony usually occurs in conversation, the speaker intends to be understood as meaning something that contrasts with the literal or usual meaning of what he says eg. sarcastic comments.

Dramatic Irony is when the reader or audience are aware of something that the characters in the story are not.

2.  Define internal conflict and external conflict.


a. Internal conflict is a mental or emotional struggle that occurs within a character.


b. External conflict is a struggle that occurs between a character and outside forces, which could be another character or the environment.

3. Discuss the different conflicts in Brother Man.


The conflicts in Brother Man are:

      The obvious rivalry between Brother Man and Brother Ambo. This is shown in the very beginning of the book when Brother Man refuses to keep Brother Ambo's possessions in his house. This is an example of external conflict.

     The distress and pain Cordelia feels when her child, Tad becomes ill and Brother Man can not heal him turns into she disdain and hatred towards Brother Man. She turns away from Brother Man's teachings and goes to Brother Ambo. This is an example of internal conflict.

    Girlie and Papacita's dysfunctional relationship is the dominant conflict within the book. Papacita's promiscuity increases and so too does Girlie's jealousy. Resulting in constant arguments and fights. However, the conflict  persists especially when Papacita leaves Girlie's house and rents a house of his own. This is an example of external conflict.

    Corporal Jennings brings out his frustration on not being able to find weed on the streets on a little boy. This is an example of external conflict.

   The people of Orange Lane betraying Brother Man based on generalization and brutally stone and jeer at him as a result. This is an example of external conflict.

   Minette's unwavering and romantic love for Brother Man makes her consistently throw herself at Brother Man although Brother Man only has unconditional love for her. This is an example of internal conflict