Aksionov's Innocence (Dramatic Irony)
Throughout Aksionov's ordeal of being wrongfully suspected, arrested, tried, and imprisoned, the reader is aware of his innocence. With the discrepancy between what the reader knows and what every character except Aksionov believes, Tolstoy creates a prolonged example of dramatic irony. This creates sympathy in the reader for Aksionov, whose truth is known only to himself, God, and the reader.
Semyonich's Imprisonment (Situational Irony)
After twenty-six years at a prison camp in Siberia, Aksionov finds himself locked up with the man who framed him for murder. In this instance of situational irony, Tolstoy introduces a new conflict for Aksionov, whose meek and contemplative nature is disrupted by renewed thoughts of the life that Semyonich took from him.
Semyonich Asks For Forgiveness (Situational Irony)
Although Aksionov has an opportunity to take revenge on the man responsible for his misery, Aksionov's silence allows Semyonich to escape punishment. This unexpected mercy causes Semyonich to beg Aksionov for forgiveness. This instance of situational irony is a particularly surprising reversal of expectations, as justice in the form of Semyonich's confession results from an act of mercy rather than an act of retribution.
