Question

Locate instances of irony in the story.

Answer 1

The story The Luncheon is replete with instances of irony. The irony is a technique in which an unexpected situation is revealed either in terms of speech or incident. In other words, an ironical situation is never expected or anticipated. It happens and comes as a shock or surprise. In the present story, there are many instances of irony. At the beginning of the story when the author visits Foyot thinking that he would manage with his limited budget, he finds the unexpected thing. He discovers that the prices in the bill of fare are very high. He has not anticipated this. It comes as a shock or surprise, hence, ironical. At first, the lady friend tells the author that she never eats anything for luncheon. But soon she says that she will love to have salmon, a highly-priced item on the menu. This is ironical. Then she orders for caviare, and then champagne and at last asparagus. These instances are all ironical.

The story has instances of verbal irony also. The lady's remark that she never eats anything for luncheon is ironical as she eventually orders for so many costly items. Another instance of verbal irony in the story is when the author tells the lady that his doctors have absolutely forbidden him to drink champagne. In fact, the entire story is built on the structure of irony.