Irony

What is Irony?

Irony is a literary device used in stories.

Irony: the opposite of what is expected.

There are 3 types of irony:

• Verbal

• Dramatic

• Situational

Verbal Irony

A character says one things but means the opposite.

Sarcasm (or being sarcastic) is a form of verbal irony.

Example:

Awesome! Another homework packet!

Dramatic Irony

When the reader understands more about the events of a story than a character.

You know a secret that a character doesn’t.

Example:

Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on the test, but we know he cheated.

Situational Irony

When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected.

Something about the situation is completely unexpected.

Example:

Bill Gates uses an Apple computer.

Review

Something that is ironic is unexpected.

• If unexpected by a character, it’s dramatic.

• If unexpected by everyone, it’s situational.

• If it’s sarcasm, it’s verbal.

Based on the previous slides, what type of irony is being described?

Multiple Choice

A character steps out into a hurricane and says, “What nice weather we are having!”

• Verbal

• Dramatic

• Situational

Multiple Choice

A family spends a huge amount of money throwing the mother a birthday party just to find out that they have the wrong date. None of the characters knew their own mother’s birthday!

• Verbal

• Dramatic

• Situational

Multiple Choice

The main character is hiding from the villain in the very where the villain is waiting for them. The audience yells at the TV for the hero to run.

• Verbal

• Dramatic

• Situational

Multiple Choice

In Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the audience knows that the beast is in fact the prince, but Belle does not.

• Verbal

• Dramatic

• Situational

Multiple Choice

A man leaps out of the road to avoid being hit by a car, only to have a tree branch fall on top of him.

• Verbal

• Dramatic

• Situational