What is the meaning of irony in literature?
Irony, linguistic and literary device, in spoken or written form, in which real meaning is concealed or contradicted. That may be the result of the literal, ostensible meaning of words contradicting their actual meaning (verbal irony) or of a structural incongruity between what is expected and what occurs (dramatic irony).
What are the three different types of irony?
Irony is a broad term that encompasses three different types of irony, each with their own specific definition: verbal irony , dramatic irony, and situational irony. Most of the time when people use the word irony, they’re actually referring to one of these specific types of irony.
What is the difference between irony and satire?
Besides the three main types of irony described above, two other literary devices—sarcasm and satire—share a lot in common with irony: is a bitter, cutting, or mocking taunt used to denigrate a particular person, place, or thing. Satire is a form of social or political critique.
What is the difference between irony and situational irony?
Situational irony refers to circumstances that turn out to be the reverse of what is expected or considered appropriate. Essentially, verbal and situational irony are each a violation of a reader’s expectations and conventional knowledge.
Irony Definition Irony (EYE-run-ee) is a literary device in which a word or event means something different—and often contradictory—to its actual meaning. At its most fundamental, irony is a difference between reality and something’s appearance or expectation, creating a natural tension when presented in the context of a story.
What is the difference between verbal irony and situational irony?
Essentially, verbal and situational irony are each a violation of a reader’s expectations and conventional knowledge. When it comes to verbal irony, the reader may be expecting a character’s statement or response to be one thing though it turns out to be the opposite.
Which is an example of an ironic event?
Coincidence describes two or more unlikely activities that share unexplainable similarities. It is often confused with situational irony. For example, finding out a friend you made in adulthood went to your high school is a coincidence, not an ironic event.
Which is an example of irony in Shakespeare?
In dramatic irony, the characters are oblivious of the situation, but the audience is not. For example, in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, we know well before the characters that they are going to die. In real life circumstances, irony may be comical, bitter, or sometimes unbearably offensive.
Which is the best example of verbal irony?
For example, if someone has a painful visit to the dentist and when it’s over says, “Well, that was pleasant,” they are using verbal irony because the intended meaning of their words (that it wasn’t at all pleasant) is the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Verbal irony is the most common form of irony.
What’s the irony of Merckx saying Irony?
The irony for Merckx is that one of his most impressive achievements is far from his favorite. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 27 June 2021 The irony of the moment: As originally planned, Black was pre-taping a big musical number that involved a lot of physicality.
Which is an example of an ironic understatement?
As you might expect, an ironic understatement creates contrast by undermining the impact of something, though the thing itself will be rather substantial or severe. Example: In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield casually says, “I have to have this operation. It isn’t very serious.
What is the meaning of the word uniformity?
‘It proposes to realise human unity in diversity and not in uniformity.’ ‘Better the dull grey uniformity, the safety of lines and numbers of the new architecture.’ ‘There has to be uniformity in the monthly charges, which should be proportionate to what a consumer gets to watch.’
What kind of irony is used in satire?
The nonliterary use of irony is usually considered sarcasm. Irony is among the most powerful devices used in satire. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by J.E. Luebering, Executive Editorial Director.
How is verbal irony different from dramatic irony?
Verbal irony is distinguished from situational irony and dramatic irony in that it is produced intentionally by speakers. For instance, if a man exclaims, “I’m not upset!”
Which is the best definition of situational irony?
Situational irony involves a striking reversal of what is expected or intended: a person sidesteps a pothole to avoid injury and in doing so steps into another pothole and injures themselves.
Which is an example of irony in dialogue?
In dialogue, verbal irony can display one character’s sparkling wit, and another character’s thickheadedness. Verbal irony can also create a connection between people who get the irony, excluding those who don’t.
Which is an obstacle to a simple definition of irony?
The principal obstacle in the way of a simple definition of irony is the fact that irony is not a simple phenomenon. . . . We have now presented, as basic features for all irony, (iii) the comic effect of this unawareness of a contrasting appearance and reality.
Situational irony. Situational irony is most broadly defined as a situation where the outcome is incongruous with what was expected, but it is also more generally understood as a situation that includes contradictions or sharp contrasts.
What makes irony a rich device for storytelling?
Irony is born when “what seems to be” is different from “what is.” This contrast between expectation and reality is what makes irony such a rich device to use in storytelling. Irony adds a layer of complexity and richness to the conflict. Now there is depth to your story that might not have been there before.
Which is the best example of situational irony?
Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is totally different from what people expect. This type of irony is a literary technique that’s riddled with contradictions and contrasts. For example, in the book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, all the people in Emerald City assume that its Oz is powerful and impressive.
How is irony used as a rhetorical device?
[T]echnically, irony is a rhetorical device used to convey a meaning sharply different from or even opposite of the literal text. It’s not just saying one thing while meaning another–that’s what Bill Clinton does. No, it’s more like a wink or running joke among people in the know.