Question

discuss the ironies you found in \subha,\ quoting from the story as necessary to illustrate your understanding

Explanation:

• Name irony: The name "Subha" means "sweetly speaking" in Sanskrit, but the protagonist is mute. This is a direct contrast.
• Nature - human irony: The story describes Subha's connection to nature, like "the murmur of the brook, the voice of the village folk, the songs of the boat - men, the cry of the birds and the rustle of trees mingled and were one with the trembling of her heart". But in human society (her family, the arranged marriage), she is treated as a burden and a commodity, not valued for her inner self.
• Marriage irony: Her parents are eager to marry her off. The text says "They were aware that, unless they made a prompt move, there would be small chance of her ever finding a husband". But the marriage is not based on love or understanding of Subha. The bridegroom "had come from a distant part" and just wanted to see if she was "deformed" (not knowing she was mute). After the marriage, he realizes she is mute and leaves, showing the superficiality of the marriage arrangement.

Answer:

The ironies in "Subha" include the name irony (Subha meaning "sweetly speaking" but being mute), the nature - human irony (her harmony with nature vs. her dehumanized treatment in human social (family/marriage) contexts), and the marriage irony (the rush to marry her off without real care for her as a person, and the bridegroom's hasty, shallow decision - making).