# How does Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories develop the theme of Irony and Absurdity?

> Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde

## Answer

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde develops Irony and Absurdity across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Wilde employs dark irony and absurd situations, such as Lord Arthur's failed murder attempts and the comedic treatment of a ghost being outwitted by modern American pragmatism.

The trivial social setting of a palm-reading party contrasts sharply with the profound dread and existential horror Lord Arthur experiences.

Lord Arthur is struck by the 'comedy of suffering' and its 'grotesque want of meaning,' highlighting the absurdity he perceives in his predicament.

Arthur's practical, calm approach to murder and the absurdity of selecting a victim from a list of friends.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/i.md): The trivial social setting of a palm-reading party contrasts sharply with the profound dread and existential horror Lord Arthur experiences.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/ii.md): Lord Arthur is struck by the 'comedy of suffering' and its 'grotesque want of meaning,' highlighting the absurdity he perceives in his predicament.
- [iii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/iii.md): Arthur's practical, calm approach to murder and the absurdity of selecting a victim from a list of friends.
- [iv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/iv.md): The poison capsule remains untouched while Lady Clementina dies naturally, and Sybil innocently discovers it, highlighting the absurdity of Arthur's ordeal.
- [v](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/v.md): The elaborate, farcical plot to murder the Dean using a decorative clock, the conspirator's casual breakfast conversation, and the ultimate irrelevance of Arthur's schemes highlight Wilde's comic irony.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/vi.md): Arthur credits cheiromancy for his happiness, despite the earlier absurd and dark events it set in motion.
- [the-canterville-ghost](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/the-canterville-ghost.md): The ghost's attempts at haunting are met with practical remedies like stain remover and lubricant, creating a comedic inversion of Gothic horror.
- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/chapters/ii.md): The ghost's dramatic horror is met with lubricant and pillows, creating a comedic contrast.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/questions/how-irony-and-absurdity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/lord_arthur_savile_s_crime_and_other_stories_se/questions