Irony
Irony is generally defined as a situation, literary or rhetorical device, in which there is an
incongruity, discordance or unintended connection which goes beyond the most evident
meaning.
There are three types of irony:
1. Verbal Irony
2. Dramatic Irony
3. Situational Irony
Types of Verbal Irony:
-Antiphrasis- Irony of one word, often derisively through patent contradiction.
-Sarcasms- Use of mockery or verbal taunts, where the meaning of words used are meant to be
taken in a negative fashion.
• 2. Dramatic Irony- is the device of giving the spectator an item of information that at
least one of the characters in the story doesn’t have.
• Often the character relies on information that is not quite correct or can be totally false.
• This can lead to major problems. ie. Othello
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3. Situational Irony
This is a relatively modern term describing the discrepancy between expected result
and actual results.
An example of this is when John Hinckley tried to assassinate US President Ronald
Reagan.
Hinckley missed on all of his shots but one hit the bullet proof limo and bounced
back to hit Reagan in the chest.
Hence the vehicle meant to save the President was responsible for his being shot,
which was certainly not the expected result.