Irony

Understanding Irony

• Irony refers to a figure of speech that indicates a difference between appearance and reality, expectations and actuality, or saying one thing and meaning the opposite.
• The three main forms of irony are verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.
• Verbal irony is when words express something contrary to the truth or the exact opposite of what they mean.
• Situational irony occurs when the actual result of a situation is totally different from what you’d expect the result to be.
• Dramatic irony is when the audience is aware of something that the characters are not aware of.

Identifying Irony

• To identify irony in a text, look for instances where the outcome of a situation is contrary to what was expected (situational irony), where a character says something but means something totally different (verbal irony), or where the reader knows more than the characters in the story (dramatic irony).
• Phrases such as “What nice weather we’re having!” said during a hurricane would be an example of verbal irony.
• A fire station burning down, for instance, would be an example of situational irony.
• An audience watching a play in which a character is about to open a door and the audience knows the killer is behind it, but the character does not, would be an example of dramatic irony.

Analysing Irony

• When you identify irony in a text, consider why the author chose to use this device. Does it create humor, suspense, or illustrate a point in a unique way?
• Understand that irony is used to inject complexity into characters or situations, increasing reader interest by adding layers of depth to the narrative.
• Remember that irony can also produce a dramatic effect, bringing about some sort of narrative twist, eliciting emotions, or creating a more engaging experience for the reader.

Impact of Irony

• Irony can often lead to a range of emotions such as humor, surprise, shock or deep introspection, tremendously impacting reader’s enjoyment and understanding of the text.
• Irony adds an element of unpredictability to a text, making it a gripping read and often leaving a lasting impression.
• As you study a text, pay careful attention to instances of irony, and explore how an author’s use of this device contributes to the effect of the piece, engaging readers and enhancing the overall narrative.