Irony

Take down these notes….

3 Different Types of Irony

Verbal

Situational

Dramatic

Verbal

when a writer or speaker says one thing but really means something completely different.

Situational

when what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate.

Dramatic

when the audience or reader knows something important of which a character in a story or play is unaware.

Examples….

A giant is afraid of insects.

Situational

A girl is crying. Her best friend says, “You’re real happy, aren’t you?”

Verbal

After a difficult math test, a students comments, “That was a snap.”

Verbal irony

A cat and a mouse sleep together in a basket.

Situational

On your own…

Think of a specific example from a movie or a book where dramatic irony was involved and write that on your paper.

Example…

Titanic

The ship was going to sink (the audience knew this) but the characters did not know. Had the characters known, they would not have been on the ship.

Isn’t it Ironic? Alanis Morrisette

1. What examples of situational irony are used?

2. What examples of verbal irony can be identified?

3. How does Alanis Morissette define irony?

4. What is the mood of this song? Do you agree with it?

YouTube - Alanis Morissette - Ironic

“Richard Cory” Edwin Arlington Robinson

1. What perception of Richard Cory is developed in the first three stanzas?

2. What specific words contribute to the impression?

3. Who is the poem’s speaker? How is the speaker different than Richard Cory?

4. What makes the poem’s final line surprising?

5. What type of irony is used in this poem? 6. What is the theme of this poem?

“Richard Cory” Simon and Garfunkel

1.What remains the same in the poem and in the song?

2. What has been changed?3. Which piece makes a stronger

statement?YouTube - Simon & Garfunkel

- Richard Cory 1966 live

Assignment

Construct a five paragraph essay dealing with the unenviable side of life through the poem “Richard Cory”.

1st paragraph – Introduction, thesis statement 2nd paragraph – First main idea discussed with specific

examples (Use parenthetical citations)3rd paragraph – Second main idea discussed with specific

examples (Use parenthetical citations)4th paragraph – Third main idea discussed with specific

examples (Use parenthetical citations)5th paragraph – Tie entire essay together and repeat thesis.

How to write an introduction…

Indent five spaces Begin with an interesting fact and background

information. Use specific writings and specific authors. End with a thesis statement. (Three prong)Example:

I intend to prove that human life is sometimes unenviable by discussing how things are not always as they seem, things sometimes do not go as planned, and that money cannot solve all problems.

Example of first paragraph…

The purpose of this essay is to provide insight into the unenviable side of human life through the poem “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson. A person’s life is not always what it may seem. People may appear to have all they want in life, but they may have problems. I intend to prove that human life is sometimes unenviable by discussing how things are not always as they seem, things sometimes do not go as planned, and that money cannot solve all problems.