Analysis of irony in folktales: a case study of selected folktales of the Iteso

Abstract

This study intended to investigate the different forms of irony in Ateso folktales and how irony as affects meaning in Ateso folktales to their audience. The interest was on the different forms of irony including; verbal irony, dramatic irony, and situational irony, which have been identified in each tale and given its effectiveness. With the aid of Claire ColeBrooks’ ideas on irony and the pretence theory, analysis was made and the study concludes that theres such a very important linguistic aspect performed by the irony in Ateso folktales. The folktales use images, metaphors through which irony is developed and it would be imperative to have a tale without irony. Irony then leads to the development of the themes which are significant of lesson development and thus morals from which society must thrive. It is true that there are other forms that Ateso folktales employ like imagery, symbolism however the effect of the irony seems more reliable in conveying the message of the tale.