IRONY
Definition
Irony is a figure of speech in which words are
used in such a way that their intended meaning is
different from the actual meaning of the words.
It may also be a situation that may end up in
quite a different way than what is generally
anticipated. In simple words, it is a difference
between the appearance and the reality.
SITUATIONAL
IRONY
A situational irony occurs
during the plot or events of a
story, with the opposite of
what the characters or readers
would expect to happen.
For instance, a man is
chuckling at the misfortune of
the other even when the same
misfortune, in complete
unawareness, is befalling him.
You laugh at a person
who slipped stepping
on a banana peel and
the next thing you
know, you slipped
too.
VERBAL
IRONY
A verbal irony occurs during
dialogue or character
interaction. The words or
talking involves comments
on what someone does not
really mean.
For example, when in
response to a foolish idea,
we say, “what a great idea!”
(a.k.a. sarcasm)
DRAMATIC
IRONY
Dramatic irony is a stylistic
writing device that is most
commonly used by
storytellers, in plays, in the
theater, and in movies.
This kind of irony is used as a
plot device to create situations
where the reader or viewer
knows much more about the
episodes and the resolutions
before the characters.
Here birdie,
birdie
Your boyfriend
shows up in ripped
up jeans and a t-shirt. With
a smirk, you say, "Oh!
I see you dressed up
for our date. We
must be going to a
posh restaurant."