What is the meaning of irony in literature?
What is the meaning of irony in literature?
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.
Which is an example of irony in popular culture?
Popular culture has countless examples of irony. One of the most predominant, contemporary references, Alanis Morissette’s hit song “Ironic” generated much controversy and debate around what, exactly, constitutes irony.
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.
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!”
Literature. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated.
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 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.
Which is the best example of situational irony?
Situational irony When the truth contradicts an expected outcome, it’s situational irony — also known as “the irony of events.” Situational irony is closely related to the idea of cosmic irony, where the universe seemingly contrives an event for its own amusement.
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.
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.
Is there such a thing as a termitary Dictionary?
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved. a termites’ nest. Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Want to thank TFD for its existence?
When do you use the word ironic in a sentence?
Critics claim the words irony and ironic as they are used in cases lacking a striking reversal, such as “Isn’t it ironic that you called just as I was planning to call you?,” are more properly called coincidence.
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.