What is the meaning of irony in literature?

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.

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.

What’s the difference between irony, sarcasm and satire?

Besides the three main types of irony described above, two other literary devices—sarcasm and satire—share a lot in common with irony: Sarcasm is a bitter, cutting, or mocking taunt used to denigrate a particular person, place, or thing.

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).

What is the difference between irony and satire?

Besides the three main types of irony described above, two other literary devices—sarcasm and satire—share a lot in common with irony: is a bitter, cutting, or mocking taunt used to denigrate a particular person, place, or thing. Satire is a form of social or political critique.

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.

Is the word irony a synonym for sarcasm?

Irony is the use of an expression (often delivered sarcastically or humorously) to express the opposite of its literal meaning. This is known as verbal irony. It is a synonym for sarcasm.

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.

Which is the most common misuse of irony?

Situational irony, the type that is most commonly misused, involves a situation where the actions end up having an effect that is the opposite from what was intended or expected. Often situational irony is confused with coincidence, an obvious chain of events or something just being funny.

What is the meaning of the word Wuv?

Wuv meaning. (childish or humorous) Alternative form of love. (childish or humorous) Alternative form of love.

What is the difference between irony and situational irony?

Situational irony refers to circumstances that turn out to be the reverse of what is expected or considered appropriate. Essentially, verbal and situational irony are each a violation of a reader’s expectations and conventional knowledge.

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.

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.

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.

Which is an example of irony in Shakespeare?

In dramatic irony, the characters are oblivious of the situation, but the audience is not. For example, in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, we know well before the characters that they are going to die. In real life circumstances, irony may be comical, bitter, or sometimes unbearably offensive.

What makes irony a rich device for storytelling?

Irony is born when “what seems to be” is different from “what is.” This contrast between expectation and reality is what makes irony such a rich device to use in storytelling. Irony adds a layer of complexity and richness to the conflict. Now there is depth to your story that might not have been there before.

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.

Who was the first person to invent irony?

(You’re welcome.) Although she popularised irony, Alanis Morissette didn’t invent it. That honour goes to the Greek character, Eiron. He was an underdog who used his considerable wit to fight another character. This spawned the Greek word eironeía, the literal meaning of which is ‘purposely affected ignorance.’

What’s the difference between irony, sarcasm and negativity?

Sarcasm, on the other hand, has a condescending tone meant to embarrass or insult someone. Therefore, the negativity in sarcasm is the clear difference. But, it’s not the only one. Break down irony vs. sarcasm to see the differences between them. What Is Irony? To remember irony, think opposite.

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.

Which is the best definition of an ironic statement?

An ironic statement usually involves the explicit expression of one attitude or evaluation, but with indications in the overall speech-situation that the speaker intends a very different, and often opposite, attitude or evaluation.

What does Nietzsche mean by the term solitariness?

‘Nietzsche’s iciness and coldness, the Alpine retreat and solitariness all have an effect in producing a complete and total nihilism – ‘no interests at all.’’ ‘The strongest reason she knew for giving women every means of enlarging their sphere of action was the ultimate solitariness of life.’

Which is the best synonym for the word solitariness?

the state of being alone or kept apart from others. it was the overwhelming solitariness of his existence that caused the marooned sailor to go mad. Synonyms for solitariness. aloneness, insulation, isolation, privacy, secludedness, seclusion,