Like many other short stories, “Roman Fever” by Edith Wharton uses irony to make the story more effective. This story shows how young girls, during the late nineteenth century, were taken on the Grand Tour, where they were put on display for potential rich husbands, and to view the wonders world in Europe. The two mothers and daughters in the story are currently on this tour, and the mothers sit on a terrace in Rome …showed first 75 words of 643 total…

…showed last 75 words of 643 total…stating the opposite of what is meant. The use of irony in a short story creates a picture of the different characters in the reader’s head, and clues you in on future conflicts. Wharton carefully lays down subtle comments about the truth behind all the mystery. Without the use of irony in this story, the reader would be bored. Irony brings life to the reading and makes it more enjoyable and easy to follow.