9. Summarize the theme or central idea of the text. How does the author's utilization of irony contribute to this idea? Cite evidence from the text.

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To summarize and explain the use of irony in the text it is necessary to read it. To summarize the central idea of this text, you will need to recognize the subject to which the text refers, the main topic the author is trying to expose. From this idea, you will be able to understand how the use of irony contributes to the text. Generally, irony is presented as a criticism, but it can also have the function of causing surprises for the reader and the character, or showing a difference in relation to what the characters think and what they do.

- "the die is cast; i have consented to return if we are not destroyed. thus are my hopes blasted by cowardice and indecision; i come back ignorant and disappointed. it requires more philosophy than i possess to bear this injustice with patience. i have lost my hopes of utility and glory; i have lost my friend."