Types of Irony Flashcard

Front

What is irony?

Back

Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning of words is different from the actual meaning, or where the outcome is contrary to what is expected.

Front

What are the three main types of irony?

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The three main types of irony are verbal irony, situational irony, and dramatic irony.

Front

Define verbal irony.

Back

Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says one thing but means another, often the opposite.

Front

What is situational irony?

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Situational irony is when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

Front

Explain dramatic irony with an example.

Back

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do. For example, in Toy Story, the audience knows the toys can move and talk, but the human characters do not.

Front

What is the purpose of using irony in literature?

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Irony is used to create humor, emphasize a point, or provoke thought by highlighting contrasts between appearances and reality.

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What is an example of verbal irony in everyday life?

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An example of verbal irony is saying 'Oh, fantastic!' when something bad happens.

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What is the difference between situational irony and coincidence?

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Situational irony involves an unexpected outcome that is often contrary to what was intended, while coincidence is simply a chance occurrence without a deeper meaning.

Front

Can irony be used in non-literary contexts?

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Yes, irony can be found in everyday situations, speeches, and media, not just in literature.

Front

What is the term for a situation where a character's actions have an opposite effect than intended?

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This is known as situational irony.