Overall, the application of irony as the key rhetoric device within the story allows amplifying the scope of the tragedy that the lead characters face. Namely, it becomes the coping mechanism that helps the lead characters to service (Urdiales-Shaw 05). Moreover, since the characters struggle to come to grips with the necessity to compromise their faith for the sake of others’ well-being, irony also serves an internal function within the narrative. The introduction of irony as the means of emphasizing the controversy of the situation serves its purpose perfectly. For example, the very title of the story can be considered an ironic statement since the commander defined as the defender of the faith is the exact opposite of that (Morley 99). Although one might find it difficult to pin down the exact situation in which irony is used due to the subtle nature of it, there can be no doubt that ironic statements are ubiquitous in the story. Viewing the story from the standpoint of a rhetorical analysis, one will notice the presence of multiple literary devices, the irony being the key one. To convey his message, the author uses quite a several rhetorical devices in his work. Paul’s inability to compromise and recognize his lack of tolerance toward the Jewish officer as the direct outcome of his bigotry leads to a tragic clash. Thus, a crucial message concerning the importance of reconciling interpersonal differences in the face of a common threat is conveyed flawlessly. At the same time, the author offers the lens of religious tolerance – or, to be more accurate, the lack thereof – as the foundational source of conflict: “Jewish personnel who want to attend services this evening are to fall out in front of the orderly room at 1900” (Roth). Approaching the story from the perspective of religion and spirituality, it will be necessary to concede that the dilemma between the well-being of many and the spiritual integrity of an individual represents quite a difficult choice.
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