Irony
Literary term · say it EYE-ruh-nee
Irony is a meaningful gap between appearances and reality, words and intended meaning, or expectations and results. It can make a scene funny, painful, or unsettling by drawing attention to that difference.
The three main kinds of irony
Verbal irony
Verbal irony occurs when someone says something but means something different, often the opposite. The situation helps the reader understand the intended meaning.
In Julius Caesar, Antony repeatedly praises Brutus's honour during his funeral speech while giving the crowd reasons to doubt it.
In Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Situational irony
Situational irony occurs when events turn out in a way that sharply undercuts a reasonable expectation. The result often exposes something important about the characters or their situation.
In The Gift of the Magi, Della sells her hair to buy Jim a watch chain, while Jim sells his watch to buy her hair combs. Each sacrifice leaves the other's gift unusable for the moment.
In The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
Dramatic irony
Dramatic irony occurs when readers or an audience know something a character does not. That knowledge changes how the character's words and actions feel.
In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo believes Juliet is dead, but the audience knows she has taken a potion that makes her appear dead. He kills himself before she wakes.
In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
How to spot irony
- Look for a gap between the words and the intended meaning.
- Compare what a character expects with what actually happens.
- Check whether you know something a character does not.
What is the difference between irony and sarcasm?
Sarcasm is a mocking remark, while irony is a broader gap between meaning, knowledge, expectation, and reality. Sarcasm often uses verbal irony to sting, but irony can also be gentle, sad, or free of mockery.
Is every surprising event ironic?
No, a surprise is ironic only when it reveals a meaningful contrast with what was expected or intended. An unexpected rainstorm is simply surprising; a fire station burning down presents a clearer ironic contrast.
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