What is the definition of irony in literature?
What is the definition of irony in literature?
The definition of irony as a literary device is a situation in which there is a contrast between expectation and reality. For example, the difference between what something appears to mean versus its literal meaning.
Is the word irony synonymous with bad luck?
Irony is not synonymous with sarcasm, coincidence, or bad luck. While these concepts can have ironic characteristics, they’re not interchangeable. More on that later. Irony creates contrast between how things seem and how they really are beneath the surface.
How is irony related to the idea of cosmic irony?
Situational irony is closely related to the idea of cosmic irony, where the universe seemingly contrives an event for its own amusement. For example, when the “unsinkable” HMS Titanic met an untimely end on its maiden voyage. To clarify: “the irony of events” is not the same as “coincidence” and “bad luck” (apologies to Alanis Morrisette).
When does Jonathan Swift use the word irony?
The use of words to mean something very different from what they appear on the surface to mean. Jonathan Swift uses irony in “ A Modest Proposal ” when he suggests the eating of babies as a solution to overpopulation and starvation in Ireland.
Who was without a sense of irony and banter?
Lacking any sense of irony, Eldridge made campaign-finance reform a signature plank. This unreasoning, feminine obstinacy so wrought upon him that he permitted himself a smile and a lapse into irony and banter. Today her irony was concealed, but, like a carefully-covered fire, he knew it was burning still.
Which is an example of a verbal irony?
Irony Examples From Literary Classics. Verbal Irony: “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. A prime example of verbal irony in “The Cask of Amontillado” is when an unsuspecting Fortunato is being led to his death by his former acquaintance, Montresor.
How is irony used as a rhetorical device?
[T]echnically, irony is a rhetorical device used to convey a meaning sharply different from or even opposite of the literal text. It’s not just saying one thing while meaning another–that’s what Bill Clinton does. No, it’s more like a wink or running joke among people in the know.
In simplest terms, irony occurs in literature AND in life whenever a person says something or does something that departs from what they (or we) expect them to say or do. Just as there are countless ways of misunderstanding the world [sorry kids], there are many different kinds of irony.
What is an example of irony in literature?
Verbal irony occurs when a speaker’s intention is the opposite of what he or she is saying. For example, a character stepping out into a hurricane and saying, “What nice weather we’re having!” Situational irony occurs when the actual result of a situation is totally different from what you’d expect the result to be.
