Journal of English Language and Education
Vol 11, No 1 (2026)

Irony in Roald Dahl’s The Umbrella Man Using Booth’s Theory

Salsabila, Shafwa (Unknown)
Nirmalawati, Widya (Unknown)
Wahyuningsih, Titik (Unknown)
Nurhayati, Sulasih (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Feb 2026

Abstract

This study analyzes the use of irony in Roald Dahl’s short story The Umbrella Man using Wayne C. Booth’s theory of irony. The study aims to examine how stable and unstable irony function as narrative strategies to construct meaning and moral criticism in the story. Employing a qualitative descriptive method and close reading, the analysis focuses on narrative events, character behavior, and dialogue that reveal ironic contrasts between appearance and reality. The findings indicate that the story predominantly employs stable irony to guide readers toward a clear moral judgment, particularly through the umbrella man’s deceptive politeness and apparent helplessness. Although the narrative presents moments of moral ambiguity, these elements do not destabilize meaning but instead reinforce the satirical critique of misplaced trust and social vulnerability. The study concludes that irony in The Umbrella Man operates as a rhetorical device that shapes reader interpretation and delivers social criticism within a seemingly simple narrative.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jele

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Journal of English Language and Education (pISSN: 2597-6850 and eISSN: 2502-4132) is a journal that focuses on researching or documenting issues in education, language education, applied linguistics, English education, English language teaching, English Literature, language assessment and ...