Question

3. The title of this story is deeply ironic. Explain the irony and account for how Chinhanhu use of this literary device furthers his argument that sex education is important

Answer 1

Answer:

Our Christmas Reunion by Edward Chinhanhu we have the theme of love, respect, connection, friendship, innocence and AIDS. Narrated in the first person by a young boy called Tawanda the reader realises from the beginning of the story that Chinhanhu may be exploring the theme of love. Tawanda is preparing a goat for his brother’s arrival. He is excited to see Selby and he recalls many of their adventures. Some were good and some

Answer 2

Our Christmas Reunion is a deeply ironic title as Tawanda has to watch Selby depart on Christmas day without even having a proper reunion.

• Irony as defined by Oxford Dictionary is the means of using language that normally signifies the opposition. This is done particularly to create humor or empathy. As a literary device, it portrays a great sense of commentary on any topic and also places its readers in a sense of satire.
• To Chinhanhu, the irony that is created is that he wanted to showcase a traditional Christmas reunion but hard conditions make it difficult to do so. The joy of Christmas only extends to the ways in which we are able to provide for that great Christmas.
• Sex education plays an important role in the story as Selby dies of AIDS, a common illness that takes the lives of several people every year. Selby's death is viewed through the lens of innocence, as a simple departing when it showcases a sense of ignorance and an inability to grasp the severity of the situation.

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