Pather Panchali

Pather Panchali Irony

The Necklace (Dramatic Irony)

At the end of the film, Apu finds the necklace that Durga had denied stealing. In this moment, we the viewer and Apu realize that Durga was lying when she denied taking the jewelry, but Sarbajaya has no idea and would likely be upset if she found out. Then, when Apu throws the necklace into the pond, he ensures that the adults will never find out about Durga's crime; it is his secret with the memory of his sister—and with us, the viewers.

Hari learning of Durga's death (Dramatic Irony)

After Durga's death, Hari comes home triumphantly, with gifts for all of his family members, including a sari for Durga. Tragically enough, he has no idea that Durga has died, and in the moments before he finds out, we the viewer know more than he does, creating a heartbreaking instance of dramatic irony.

The mean aunt's remorse (Situational Irony)

At the end, after Durga has died, the mean aunt visits Sarbajaya and expresses her condolences and says that she wishes she could have helped more. Throughout the film, the aunt has been nothing but cruel and scolding to Sarbajaya, so her words of comfort and kindness are too little too late. It is ironic that she shows so much sympathy after being so unforgiving throughout the film and not offering to help the family until it is too late.

Durga's death (Dramatic Irony)

The morning Durga dies, Apu sees her dead body and asks if she is asleep. This is yet another tragic moment of dramatic irony surrounding Durga's death, in that we know that she has passed away, but Apu does not yet understand.