In the short stories, “Under the I," “Penny in the dust," and “After the sirens," irony is used to express meaning. To begin with, in the first short story “Under the I” situational irony is used to contribute to the theme that in order to prosper in life, one must have a positive attitude and have the will to take chances in life in order to fulfill their potential. This idea is clearly demonstrated in the context by how Mrs. McNaughton taught Harold to be optimistic and stand up for himself rather than letting people rule his life for him after he discovered her secret “… Mrs. McNaughton couldn't be there. You see she did pass away —of a heart attack —there, last week after the bingo…” (Alford, 16). Further more, in the short story “Penny
