One of the most common forms of situational irony in
literature is when children take on traditional adult roles. This is ironic, of course,
because young children are expected to be dependent on the care, experience and wisdom
of the adults in their lives.
This is the ironic premise
that The Glass Castle is built on. The main character, Jeanette,
and her 3 siblings, are subjected to what should be considered abuse and neglect by
their parents over and over again as young children. Most often they are taking care of
their poor and crazy parents, making excuses for the lack of parenting, and watching out
for one another. However, throughout the kids' lives, they never question whether this
is normal. Likely they know they are different from other children - but never do they
consider their lives as bad. In fact (further irony) the story is lightheartedly tragic
as they celebrate what would otherwise be considered child abuse as "adventures." Also,
throughout the story, all the children love each other and their parents more than
anything in the world. I think too that through such an unconventional upbringing, the
children eventually consider themselves better as a
result.
If you keep this in mind as the foundation for
irony in the novel, you can find specific examples to support it in absolutely every
chapter.
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