The reference to past firemen putting fires out instead of setting them off is an example of irony. In this context, the irony lies in the contrast between the traditional role of firemen (to extinguish fires) and the current reality in the story, where firemen start fires instead.
"They walked still further and the girl said, “Is it true that long ago firemen put fires out instead of going to start them?” “No. Houses have always been fireproof, take my word for it.” “Strange. I heard once that a long time ago houses used to burn by accident and they needed firemen to stop the flames.” - Clarisse and Guy talking
The reference to past firemen putting fires out instead of setting them off is an example of the literary term known as ..........
Group of answer choices
Connotation
Irony
Personification
Metaphor
1 answer