LITERARY DEVICE:

IRONY

WHAT IS AN IRONY?
The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies
the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

A literary technique by which the full significance of a character's words or

actions are clear to the audience or reader although unknown to the
character.
EXAMPLE OF AN IRONY
“How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.
 IRONY
vs.
SARCASM

IRONY vs. SARCASM

However, irony is the opposite of what you would expect.

Sarcasm, on the other hand, has a condescending tone meant to embarrass or

insult someone.

Therefore, the negativity in sarcasm is the clear difference.

IRONY vs. SARCASM
Sometimes the difference between irony and sarcasm can be hard to see.

However, once you start to break down definitions, it’s clear to see that
sarcasm is like irony with attitude.

Sarcasm doesn’t have any other purpose but to insult or embarrass, even
yourself.
 TYPES OF IRONY
USED IN LITERATURE

1. VERBAL IRONY
It is a figure of speech in which a speaker says one thing but means another.
It comes in several forms and is used to bring humor to a situation,
foreshadow events to come or introduce a sense of foreboding.
It often brings levity to a situation or pokes fun at a situation.
EXAMPLES OF
VERBAL IRONY
Someone shopping for a mattress lays down on a really firm one and says,
"It's so soft, I may float away."

A sister walks into her brother's messy apartment and says, "I see you're still
the king of clean!"

A food critic tells the chef, "Your steak was as tender as a leather boot."

A woman spills her morning coffee on her white silk blouse and says, "This day
couldn't be off to a better start."
2. SITUATIONAL IRONY
It occurs when something happens that is completely different from what
was expected.
Usually, these instances incorporate some type of contradiction and a
certain level of surprise or shock.
The outcome can be tragic or humorous, but it is always unexpected.
EXAMPLES OF
SITUATIONAL IRONY
A fire station burns down.
A marriage counselor files for divorce.
The police station gets robbed.
A post on Facebook complains about how useless Facebook is.
A pilot has a fear of heights.
A man leaps out of the road to avoid being hit by a car, only to have a tree
branch fall on his head.
3. DRAMATIC IRONY
It is inherent in speeches or a situation of a drama and is understood by the
audience but not grasped by the characters in the play.
Storytellers use this irony as a useful plot device for creating situations in
which the audience knows more about the situations, the causes of conflicts,
and their resolutions before the leading characters or actors.
3. DRAMATIC IRONY
For instance, the audience knows that a character is going to be murdered,
or will make a decision to commit suicide; however, one particular character
or others may not be aware of these facts.

Thus, it creates intense suspense and humor. This speech device also
emphasizes, embellishes, and conveys emotions and moods more effectively.
EXAMPLES OF
DRAMATIC IRONY
"Shrek" - The dramatic irony in the plot occurs when we find out that Princess
Fiona is cursed and secretly turns into an ogre at night. Shrek, an ogre, falls in
love with the human Fiona, totally unaware of her curse, until the end of the
story.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" - The apple that puts Snow White into a
deep sleep is dramatic irony, because the audience knows that the Wicked
Stepmother cursed the apple, but Snow White does not.
PRACTICE