Which instances of situational irony occur…

Situational irony occurs when the actual outcome of a situation is starkly different from what one anticipates. In this scenario, the instances that best exemplify this irony are not those featuring overt sarcasm, as such comments are explicit rather than implicit. The first example is: ‘Come over here and listen to a story,’ said the aunt, as the bachelor regarded her with hesitation, glancing also at the communication cord. The bachelor’s reluctance to follow her request suggests he does not expect a captivating story, in contrast to the aunt’s clear belief in her own storytelling prowess. This disparity between her self-image as a great storyteller and his skepticism illustrates the irony at play. The second instance is found in: ‘In a low, confidential voice, interrupted at frequent intervals by loud, petulant questionings from her listeners.’ Here, the children’s behavior is unexpected; rather than being engaged, they express their discontent openly, which contradicts the typical attentive nature of children. This conflict emphasizes the gap between the aunt’s perception of herself as a skilled storyteller and the reality that the children do not share this view.