Last Laugh

Last Laugh

See also Irony.

Alcyoneus

giant who threw stone at Hercules; killed when Hercules batted it back. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 17]

Diomedes

eaten by his own horses, which he had reared on human flesh. [Gk. and Rom. Myth.: Hall, 149]

Fulton’s Folly

everybody scoffed at his 1807 steamboat, the “Clermont.” [Am. Hist.: Jameson, 190]

Hop-Frog

immolates king and court after repeated insults. [Am. Lit.: “Hop-Frog” in Portable Poe, 317–329]

Magnificent Ambersons, The

Eugene acquires same position George fell from. [Am. Lit.: The Magnificent Ambersons]

Mordecai and Haman

latter hanged on gallows he built for former. [O.T.: Esther 7:9–10]

Palamon and Arcite

victorious jouster (Arcite) dies in fall; loser wins lady’s hand. [Br. Lit.: Canterbury Tales, “Palamon and Arcite”]

Pizarro, Don

illegally imprisons Florestan; is later imprisoned himself. [Ger. Opera: Beethoven, Fidelio, Westerman, 109–110]

Seward’s Folly

ridiculed purchase of Alaska proved wise buy (1867). [Am. Hist.: Van Doren, 254]

Truman, Harry S.

(1884–1972) presidential winner; photographed with Chicago Tribune headline announcing Dewey’s victory (1948). [Am. Hist.: Plain Speaking, 406]

Tuck, Friar

cajoled to ferry Robin across stream, dumps him returning. [Br. Lit.: Robin Hood]