The Door in the Wall

The Door in the Wall Irony

Dramatic Irony: Wanting Porridge

Early on in the book, Robin adamantly refuses to eat his porridge, served by Dame Ellen. He misses his mother, and this is one way of acting out against being left alone by her. Frustrated, he even throws the bowl of cereal at his servant. Humorously, after being abandoned by Dame Ellen, he later craves the porridge and wishes he had not so hastily disposed of it.

Dramatic Irony: The Welshman Not Recognizing His Enemy

When Robin goes to save Sir Peter's castle, he disguises himself as a poor shepherd boy. Because of his disguise and his innocent demeanor, the Welsh soldier does not even realize that his own enemy is crossing past his camp. The Welshman even offers Robin to come rest by their fire, which Robin declines.

Dramatic Irony: Doubting Imminent Peace

On their journey to Lindsay, Robin speaks to the host of a restaurant about the ongoing battles and tells him that there will be peace by Christmastime. The host disagrees with young Robin, thinking that constant conflict is inevitable. Ironically, however, Robin's prediction comes true, as the English army returns home exactly on the day of Christmas Eve. This timing reinforces the notion that Robin is fulfilling his destiny as a hero throughout the novel.

Situational Irony: A Disabled Boy Becoming An Actual Knight

The story begins with Robin entirely incapacitated, spending day after day in bed. Slowly, he regains his physical ability, eventually learning to get around on crutches and able to swim and play with other boys once more. it is ironic and moving that someone so young and without physical strength is knighted by the King, who gives Robin a crown of jewels after his brave rescue of Sir Peter's castle.