What does irony mean in English literature?
What does irony mean in English literature?
In simplest terms, irony occurs in literature AND in life whenever a person says something or does something that departs from what they (or we) expect them to say or do. Just as there are countless ways of misunderstanding the world [sorry kids], there are many different kinds of irony.
What is linguistic irony?
Irony, linguistic and literary device, in spoken or written form, in which real meaning is concealed or contradicted. It is a form of indirection that avoids overt praise or censure, as in the casual irony of the statement “That was a smart thing to do!” (meaning “very foolish”).
Why do people find it hard to define irony?
It’s a literary device that highlights the incongruity (a fancy word for ‘difference’) between one’s expectation for a situation, and the reality. Part of the reason people find it hard to give a definition of irony is because of Alanis Morissette’s 1995 hit song ‘ Ironic ‘.
Which is the best definition of the word ironic?
The other refers to dramatic irony or tragic irony—an incongruity between the situation in a drama and the words used by the characters that only the audience can see. Socratic irony is a tool used in debating; dramatic irony is what happens when the audience realizes that Romeo and Juliet’s plans will go awry.
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 meaning of irony in drama?
: incongruity between a situation developed in a drama and the accompanying words or actions that is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play. — called also dramatic irony, tragic irony.