Name: ______________________________
Period: _______
Recognizing Irony
What is irony?
Irony is a contrast between what appears to be and what actually exists, between what is
expected and what is experienced.
 Dramatic irony: ______________________________________________________________________
 Situational irony: ____________________________________________________________________
 Verbal irony: _________________________________________________________________________
Reasons for Using Irony:
•
Irony can heighten suspense.
•
Irony can add humor.
•
Irony can assist in developing depth of character.
•
Irony can express the theme.
•
Irony can assist in foreshadowing.
Explain the dramatic irony in each of the following examples from Oedipus Rex by identifying the
points of contrast.
1. Line 119 “I know of him by hearsay. I have not seen him.”
2. Lines 266-269 “Upon the murderer I invoke this curse – whether he is one man and all
unknown, or one of many – may he wear out his life in misery to miserable doom.”
3. Lines 416-418 “It has, but not for you; it has no strength for you because you are blind in mind
and ears as well as in your eyes.”
4. Lines 1026-1027 “I come from Corinth and the news I bring will give you pleasure. Perhaps a
little pain, too.”
5. Lines 1185-1187 “But I account myself a child of Fortune, beneficent fortune, and I shall not be
dishonored.”
Name: ______________________________
Period: _______
Recognizing Irony
Find one more example of dramatic irony in the play. For each example, write the quote with the
line numbers, and explain how it is ironic.
6.
Find an example of situational irony in the play.
7.
Find an example of verbal irony in the play.
8.