My Favorite Chaperone

Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually happens in a particular situation. It involves a twist or reversal of expectations, where the outcome contrasts with what the characters or readers anticipate. Situational irony often adds depth and complexity to a story and conveys deeper meaning.

The situational irony in “My Favorite Chaperone” is that while Maya regularly takes on adult responsibilities and takes care of her younger brother, Nurzhan, he must chaperone her at the Spring Fling. Maya's parents are comfortable with making a child Maya’s chaperone, indicating their trust in him to take care of her. However, they are not comfortable with Maya going to the dance independently despite her maturity. The contrast between Maya's usual responsibilities and her need for a chaperone for an innocuous event like a dance creates irony and humor. This also highlights the absurdity of strict, traditional gender roles that simultaneously infantilize women and overburden them with domestic responsibilities.

Verisimilitude in fiction refers to the extent to which a story appears believable or true to life. Okimoto uses elements of realism to make her short story plausible and her characters believable.