The Inheritance of Loss

The Inheritance of Loss Irony

Gyan's Family History (Situational Irony)

Gyan proudly explains to Sai that his family served in the British military. While Gyan believes his family's international history is honorable, he criticizes Sai for "running after the West" and "copying" British people. This is not what we'd expect given his own apparent Anglophilia, and this surprising turn is an example of situational irony.

Lola's Proclamation (Dramatic Irony)

When the GNLF first marches through Darjeeling, Lola dismisses the protest as "just noise." But the reader sees how the GNLF is violently reshaping life in Kalimpong and destroying Lola's lifestyle and sense of self, leading to an instance of dramatic irony.

Biju's Return (Dramatic Irony)

Biju returns home to Kalimpong, unaware that the rise of the GNLF makes conditions unsafe. Throughout his journey home, Biju imagines his peaceful future, though the reader knows Kalimpong is in turmoil.

Gyan's Maturity (Situational Irony)

Gyan insists that he should end his relationship with Sai because their romance is "infantile" and holds him back from being a "hero for the homeland." However, Gyan is relieved when his grandmother forbids him from joining the treaty burning and immediately abandons the GNLF, plays in his room, and imagines how to win Sai back. This response is not what we'd expect, leading to an instance of situational irony.