The Passing of Grandison  

Words are only words. Darn that Irony.

In the beginning Dick is convinced he has to prove himself to be worthy before he can be married to Charity. Finally it is decided in some form that Dick has to “run a negro off to Canada.” So Dick originally picks Tom to run off, but his father the Colonel decides that Dick should take Grandison instead. The colonel’s main fear is that he cannot send a slave that might escape. The colonel says to Dick “I’d just like to catch any one trying to run off one of my darkeys. He’d  get short shrift ; I don’t think any Court would have the chance to try him.” (pg 233)

            Which I find rather interesting that he would say that when his own son is trying to do exactly what his father is trying to prevent. It’s what Dick says to his father afterwards that really confirms the irony. They are a pestiferous lot and dangerous to our institutions. Well Dick appears to be just as dangerous.

            Perfect example

            So I have to say Grandison’s technique for escape was amazing. Throughout the entire story you get this very strong feel that Grandison is devoted to his master and that he never has any intention of leaving. Even though Dick has been diligently trying to get rid of him.

Especially when Dick says this to Grandison “Gradison, I am going away for a day or two, but I shall leave you here. I shall lock up a hundred dollars in this drawer and give you the key. If you need any of it, use it and enjoy yourself, -spend it all if you like,- for this is probably the last chance you’ll have for some time to be in a free state, and you’d better enjoy your liberty while you may.”(pg 237) Then after Dick returns he finds Grandsion still waiting to serve him and along with that has not touched the money.

            What a Jerk.

            In the reading, Dick makes it to Canada with Grandison and goes into an inn for lunch. Dick leaves Grandison to sit in free territory where he has the opportunity to run free at any moment. But still Grandison remains waiting patiently for his Master. Although, when Dick returns Grandison is asleep on the ground and Dick uses this as his opportunity to leave Grandison and return home. Where he delivers lies about the disappearance of the faithful Grandison.

            Oh the Irony!

            In the reading we learn that Grandison comes crawling back home after being tortured and facing severe turmoil. Dick’s father the Colonel proudly says “Grandison had no intention of running away; he knew when he was well off, and where his friends were. All the persuasions of abolition liars and runaway niggers did not move him.” (pg240) Then three weeks go by and Grandison is treated very well all the while sharing his story with the town about his faithfulness to his master. Then one morning Grandison and all of his loved ones flee for Canada, to freedom. It blows my mind at Grandisons sneaky act to gain freedom. That is honest irony, the act of cleverly anticipating the moment of escape, even when it was so readily available earlier.

So did anyone else find these examples of Verbal and Situational Irony?