Effective Use of Irony and Satire in Unveiling :: Unveiling

Effective Use of Irony and Satire in Unveiling   Unveiling, by Vclav Havel, is an almost satirical view of societal sort in the modern day world. The unusual props located throughout the apartment as well as the characters involved in the extend come together to form an ironic tale wrought with realistic themes and an extremist view of modern society.           The main characters are Vera, Michael, and Ferdinand Vanek. The play begins with Ferdinand launching the party of Vera and Michael. As the story line progresses, Vera and Michael continue describing their many sensible possessions and showing off their supposed glamour. All throughout the commentary on their accolades, they also openly criticize Ferdinand in every aspect of his life. They admit to do so only because they like him and because he is their best friend. In the end, Ferdinand begins inching towards the door, and Vera and Michael start to go hysterical at the thought o f Ferdinand leaving. Finally, when he sits prat down, Vera and Michael resume their normal chatter.           The characterization in Unveiling is consistent in that each character is generally stagnant. Vera is a flat character. She starts out as a needy woman who is almost grandiloquent when she speaks of her belongings. Her husband Michael is no different. His pretentious behavior is only heightened by the accessory of his wife. In the end, they are still the same albeit not as composed as in the beginning. Ferdinand is really just a minor, speaking character in the play. on that point is not much depth to his character. He is essentially flat because on that point is no change in his character or lack thereof.           though Unveiling does contain many themes, the principle one that is prevalent throughout is social pretensions. Vera and Michael pretend that everything is fine in their life though it clear is not. They hold themselves to a materialistic standard that they feel they must uphold. The dodgy veneer that they like to hide behind is actually rather brickle and transparent. Their loneliness is apparent. For their unveiling party, there is only one guest, Ferdinand. That points to the fact that they do not have many friends, thus the reality which is that they are alone. along these same lines, societal pressures and social conformity are also study themes. They feel they must uphold such pretenses because that is the social standard.