Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In "The Catbird Seat" by James Thurber, there are three main types of irony:
1. **Verbal Irony:** Verbal irony occurs when a character says one thing but means something completely different. In the story, the protagonist, Mr. Martin, pretends to be a meek and obedient employee while planning to eliminate Mrs. Barrows, his annoying coworker. His words and actions are in stark contrast to his true intentions, creating verbal irony.
2. **Situational Irony:** Situational irony arises when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. In the story, the reader expects Mrs. Barrows, the brash and obnoxious coworker, to be the dominant character, but it is Mr. Martin who ultimately gains the upper hand and outwits her. This unexpected turn of events is an example of situational irony.
3. **Dramatic Irony:** Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader knows something that the characters in the story do not. In "The Catbird Seat," the reader is aware of Mr. Martin's plan to eliminate Mrs. Barrows, while the other characters in the story, including Mrs. Barrows, remain unaware of his true intentions. This contrast between the reader's knowledge and the characters' ignorance creates dramatic irony.
These three types of irony contribute to the humor and suspense in the story as the reader watches Mr. Martin's clever scheme unfold.