Irony

Irony

literary term referring to how a person, situation, statement, or circumstance is not as it would actually seem.

Many times it is the exact opposite of what it appears to be.

The three most common: Situational verbal dramatic

Situational Irony

a relationship of contrast between what an audience is led to expect during a particular situation within the unfolding of a story's plot and a situation that ends up actually resulting later on

Examples in Literature

In literature, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet provides an example of tragic situational irony. Juliet takes a drug to fake her death, Romeo however takes poison as he believes Juliet to be dead, when she awakens from her self-induced coma, she finds Romeo's body and thus kills herself for real.

Why is this Situational Irony?

Verbal Irony (aka Sarcasm)

a figure of speech

The speaker intends to be understood as meaning something that contrasts with the literal or usual meaning of what he says

Uses overstatement or understatement

Examples in Literature

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare"Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;And Brutus is an honourable man".

Mark Antony really means that Brutus is dishonourable

Verbal irony also uses idioms at times.

Dramatic Irony

involves the reader (or audience) knowing something about what's happening in the plot, about which the character(s) have no knowledge

In literature

Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Macbeth plans the murder of Duncan whilst feigning loyalty. Duncan does not know of Macbeth’s plans but the audience does.

What type of Irony is it?