What is irony in English 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. Irony is associated with both tragedy and humor.
What is an irony in figure of speech?
Irony is a figure of speech and one of the most widely- known literary devices, which is used to express a strong emotion or raise a point. As defined, Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of what is actually said. Verbal Irony.
Why do people find it hard to define irony?
It’s a literary device that highlights the incongruity (a fancy word for ‘difference’) between one’s expectation for a situation, and the reality. Part of the reason people find it hard to give a definition of irony is because of Alanis Morissette’s 1995 hit song ‘ Ironic ‘.
What are the different types of irony in literature?
Irony is a storytelling tool used to create contrast between how things seem and how they really are beneath the surface. The term “ironic” comes from the Latin word ironia, which means “feigned ignorance.” The three main types of irony used in literature are dramatic, situational, and verbal.
Which is the best definition of verbal irony?
Verbal irony sets forth a contrast between what is literally said and what is actually meant. In dramatic irony, the state of the action or what is happening as far as what the reader or viewer knows is the reverse of what the players or characters suppose it to be.
What is the meaning of irony in drama?
b : incongruity between a situation developed in a drama and the accompanying words or actions that is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play — called also dramatic irony, tragic irony.