Attila (Situational Irony)
In the story "Attila," a dog named Attila foils a robbery. However, he does so very unintentionally. He is not a good guard dog because he is too friendly. When he stops the robber, it is only because he is following him and the robber ends up tripping over him, dropping the jewelry he stole in the street. In this way, he served his purpose in the family's home, but without any direct intention of doing so. In this example of dramatic irony, the reader understands that Attila has only done his job accidentally.
Iswaran Drowns (Situational and Dramatic Irony)
In the story "Iswaran," Iswaran contemplates suicide and writes a note, planning to drown himself. However, upon discovering he has actually passed his exams, he is elated. He jumps into the river and accidentally drowns. When he is found the next day, with the note left on the shore with his jacket, people assume it was a suicide. In this instance of situational and dramatic irony, the reader knows that Iswaran did not intend to drown himself, but because of the note, a tragic misunderstanding occurs.
Doctor's Lie (Situational and Dramatic Irony)
In "The Doctor's Word," Dr. Raman faces the difficult choice of being honest with his friend, or saving him the harmful stress of learning about the true severity of his condition. He decides, for the only time in his career, to lie and say that his friend will be fine. Shockingly, his friend manages to actually recover and he is baffled. This turn of events ultimately makes his words truthful. In this moment of dramatic and situational irony, his seeming lie actually becomes true.
Raju Returns the Wallet (Dramatic and Situational Irony)
"The Trail of the Green Blazer" describes how a thief named Raju steals a man's purse. He then quickly discovers that there is a small green balloon in the purse. He feels regret about his decision, as he imagines the balloon is for the man's child and that they will be very disappointed. He tries to return it but is apprehended and sentenced to time in jail, as they think he is trying to steal the purse in that moment. In another example of both dramatic and situational irony, the thief is punished for trying to right his wrong.
