Irony in "The Secret Lion"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines and analyzes the short story by Alberto Rios entitled, "The Secret Lion." The paper focuses on the incorporation of irony into the story and explains how irony serves to develop the theme and emphasize the important points Rios wishes to make. Specifically, the paper explores how the symbolism of the secret lion, the grinding ball, the arroyo and the golf course reveal the ironic discoveries adolescents make when they leave their youthful perspectives behind and look at the world with new understanding.

From the Paper:

"In conclusion, Alberto Rios incorporates irony into "The Secret Lion" in a number of ways as this coming of age story unfolds, primarily through the repeated use of symbolism. Irony serves the purpose of emphasizing and dramatizing the journey adolescents make into adulthood and reveals how this maturing process changes their perspectives forever. The boys learn to their disappointment that nothing is perfect,
and that nothing is permanent. But this lesson brings wisdom, and ultimately, acceptance. Ironically, the only thing they can really count on to be permanent is the process of change, for people and things always change, and always will."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lovell, Linda. "Twenty-Four Questions: A Conversation with Alberto Alvaro Rios."Online. Available: http://faculty.nwacc.edu/ljlovell/Rios.htm. 3 July 2003.
• Meyer, Michael. The Compact Bedford Introduction to Literature. Sixth Edition. New York: Palgrave MacMillen, 1994.
• Rios, Alberto. "The Secret Lion." In Kirszner, Laurie G., and Stephen R. Mandell, (eds.) Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing. Compact Fourth Edition. New York: Heinle, 2000.

More papers on Irony in "The Secret Lion":

• Book Review # 106588 : "The Secret Lion"
• Analytical Essay # 44544 : "Alberto Rios' "The Secret Lion"
• Term Paper # 127065 : "First Order Simulation in "The Secret Sharer"

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