Sometimes the unexpected things, are the funniest of all. We can get bord with normal stories and situations, so when there is irony presented in a story, it can create a great level of humor. O. Henry uses both Situational and verbal irony to create a hurmoustone throughout his story, “The Ransom of Red Chief.”
Both situational and verbal irony are used throughout the story to develop humorous tone. Situational irony is used in many instances in the story to create humor. One of the first instances is when the would be kidnappers first carry “Red Chief” to their lair. The reader expects the kidnappers to be ruthless and in control. However, the kidnappers do not behave as the reader would expect, instead they let him go with no restraints and “red Chief” openl threatensthe kidnappers and they do nothing about it. This is clearly shown in the text when it states, “I’m Old Hank, the trapper, Red Chief’s captive, and I’m to be scalped at daybreak.” (O. Henry 2), and, “... and announced that, when his braves returned from the warpath, I was to be broiled at the stake at the rising of the sun.” (O. Henry 2). This creates a …show more content…
One would expect that a child who has been kidnaped would be terrified and want nothing but to go home. However “Red Chief” does not behave as expected, instead he Would rather stay with the kidnappers and the kidnappers even say that they will take him home to get him to behave. This is clearly portrayed in the text when it “Red Chief,” says I to the kid, “Would you like to go home?” ”Aw, what for?” says he. “ I don’t have any fun at home. I hate to go to go to school. I like to camp out. You won’t take me back home again, snake-eye, will you.” (O. Henry 2). This helps develop a humorous tone because when a reader thinks of a kidnapping, they do not to expect the victim to want to stay with the people that took them from their