* Situational Irony: This is perhaps the most prevalent type. The entire book hinges on this:
* The gods' reliance on Percy: Despite their immense power, the Olympian gods need Percy to defeat Kronos. The prophecy explicitly states that only a child of the Big Three can defeat Kronos, demonstrating how the powerful gods are reliant on a seemingly ordinary teenager.
* Luke's betrayal: Luke, Percy's friend and mentor, turns out to be the main villain, Kronos's champion. This unexpected betrayal creates a poignant and tragic twist.
* Camp Half-Blood's vulnerability: The demigods' sanctuary, Camp Half-Blood, is under constant attack from the Titans. This is ironic considering it's meant to be a safe haven.
* Dramatic Irony: This occurs when the audience knows something the characters do not.
* Percy's parentage: The reader knows Percy is the son of Poseidon long before he learns this truth. This creates tension and anticipation as Percy struggles to understand his identity.
* Luke's fate: The reader is aware of Luke's ultimate fate, his sacrifice to save Annabeth, even though Luke himself does not know this will be his end.
* Verbal Irony: This form is less prominent but still present:
* Percy's "powers": Percy's "powers" are often described as weaknesses, like his dyslexia and ADHD. This is ironic because these "weaknesses" are actually his strengths as a demigod.
* The gods' promises: The gods often make promises they cannot or do not keep, creating a sense of irony.
Overall, the use of irony in The Last Olympian enhances the narrative by adding tension, humor, and a sense of complexity to the characters and their relationships. It highlights the themes of fate, power, and the human condition, adding depth to the epic battle against the Titans.