What is the meaning of irony in literature?

Irony, linguistic and literary device, in spoken or written form, in which real meaning is concealed or contradicted. That may be the result of the literal, ostensible meaning of words contradicting their actual meaning (verbal irony) or of a structural incongruity between what is expected and what occurs (dramatic irony).

Which is the best example of verbal irony?

For example, if someone has a painful visit to the dentist and when it’s over says, “Well, that was pleasant,” they are using verbal irony because the intended meaning of their words (that it wasn’t at all pleasant) is the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Verbal irony is the most common form of irony.

When do you use the word ironic in a sentence?

Critics claim the words irony and ironic as they are used in cases lacking a striking reversal, such as “Isn’t it ironic that you called just as I was planning to call you?,” are more properly called coincidence.

What are the three stages of dramatic irony?

There are three stages to dramatic irony: installation, exploitation, and resolution. In Othello’s case: The installation happens when Iago persuades Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with the mysterious Cassio (not to be confused with the watch brand)

Irony Definition Irony (EYE-run-ee) is a literary device in which a word or event means something different—and often contradictory—to its actual meaning. At its most fundamental, irony is a difference between reality and something’s appearance or expectation, creating a natural tension when presented in the context of a story.

What are the three different types of irony?

Irony is a broad term that encompasses three different types of irony, each with their own specific definition: verbal irony , dramatic irony, and situational irony. Most of the time when people use the word irony, they’re actually referring to one of these specific types of irony.

Which is an example of an ironic event?

Coincidence describes two or more unlikely activities that share unexplainable similarities. It is often confused with situational irony. For example, finding out a friend you made in adulthood went to your high school is a coincidence, not an ironic event.

Which is an example of irony in dialogue?

In dialogue, verbal irony can display one character’s sparkling wit, and another character’s thickheadedness. Verbal irony can also create a connection between people who get the irony, excluding those who don’t.

Is the word irony synonymous with the word incongruous?

This sense, however, is not synonymous with “incongruous” but merely a definition of dramatic or situational irony. It is often included in definitions of irony not only that incongruity is present but also that the incongruity must reveal some aspect of human vanity or folly.

Which is the best definition of situational irony?

Situational irony involves a striking reversal of what is expected or intended: a person sidesteps a pothole to avoid injury and in doing so steps into another pothole and injures themselves.

What kind of irony is used in satire?

The nonliterary use of irony is usually considered sarcasm. Irony is among the most powerful devices used in satire. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by J.E. Luebering, Executive Editorial Director.

Which is an example of a situational irony?

Situational irony refers to an unexpected, paradoxical, or perverse turn of events. It is an example of situational irony when, in the O. Henry story ” The Gift of the Magi ,” a young wife cuts off her hair in order to buy her husband a chain for his prized watch, but the husband sells his watch to buy his wife a comb for her beautiful hair.

Why do we use ironical devices in literature?

Ironical statements and situations in literature develop readers’ interest. It makes a work of literature more intriguing, and forces the readers to use their imaginations to comprehend the underlying meanings of the texts. Moreover, real life is full of ironical expressions and situations.

When does irony become a stream of consciousness?

— Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 27 June 2021 The irony of the moment: As originally planned, Black was pre-taping a big musical number that involved a lot of physicality. — NBC News, 25 June 2021 Her latest, accordingly, comes on in a swirl of internet age irony and remove: less stream of consciousness than a series of small, heady whirlpools.

What’s the irony of Merckx saying Irony?

The irony for Merckx is that one of his most impressive achievements is far from his favorite. — Joshua Robinson, WSJ, 27 June 2021 The irony of the moment: As originally planned, Black was pre-taping a big musical number that involved a lot of physicality.

What is the difference between verbal irony and situational irony?

Essentially, verbal and situational irony are each a violation of a reader’s expectations and conventional knowledge. When it comes to verbal irony, the reader may be expecting a character’s statement or response to be one thing though it turns out to be the opposite.

When is irony the same as coincidence and bad luck?

When the truth contradicts an expected outcome, it’s situational irony — also known as “the irony of events.” Again, just to clarify, irony is not the same as “coincidence” and “bad luck.”. If you buy a new car and then accidentally drive it into a tree, that is both coincidence and bad luck.

What’s the difference between irony and a coincidence?

In some cases, irony is simply irony, where something’s appearance on the surface is substantially different from the truth. Irony is often confused with coincidence. Though there is some overlap between the two terms, they are not the same thing. Coincidence describes two or more unlikely activities that share unexplainable similarities.

Literature. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated.

What is the meaning of irony in literature? Irony, linguistic and literary device, in spoken or written form, in which real meaning is concealed or contradicted. That may be the result of the literal, ostensible meaning of words contradicting their actual meaning (verbal irony) or of a structural incongruity between what is expected and what…