Literary Elements Notes Irony Definition of Irony a

Literary Elements Notes

Irony

Definition of Irony: a difference between what is expected and reality

Let’s break it down…

3 Types of Irony:

Types of Irony: Verbal Irony When a character says one thing, but means another.

Examples: When your mom walks into your bedroom and sees that you, instead of doing your homework, are playing video games, she gives you a stern look and says "Once you're done with your very important work there, let's take some time out for recreation in the form of some chemistry problems. " Your dad has run out of patience with picking up after you (you never seem to remember to put your dirty clothes in the hamper instead of letting them drop wherever you happen to be when you take them off). "Would you let me know when it pleases you to have your humble servant pick up after you? "

Types of Irony: Situational Irony When the story turns out opposite from what we expect (the “surprise” twist at the end).

Examples: If the president of Microsoft, Bill Gates, were to win a contest whose grand prize was a Mac i. Pad, the irony would be situational because such a circumstance would appear "funny" for a number of reasons. You buy yourself something after months of saving and then someone gets it for you for Christmas! Two robbers run out of bank, only to find their getaway car has been stolen! A man takes a step aside in order to avoid getting sprinkled by a wet dog but falls into a swimming pool.

Types of Irony: Dramatic Irony When the reader is aware of something going on in a story that the characters are not (“I know something they don’t know!).

Examples: When the main character (in a scary movie), is being chased by a killer and we know that the killer is hiding in the closet but the character does not know that. Every single soap opera relies on dramatic irony! In “The Cask of Amontillado, ” only the reader knows that Montresor has evil plans for Fortunado (who doesn’t know he is being lured into a trap!). In the movie Disturbia when the cop is walking in a dark hall, the killer was shown and the audience was able to see, but the cop didn't see him.

Irony