Front

What is irony?

Back

Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning or outcome.

Front

What is situational irony?

Back

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

Front

Example of situational irony: A police station gets robbed.

Back

This is situational irony because a place meant to enforce the law is itself a victim of crime.

Front

What is verbal irony?

Back

Verbal irony is when someone says one thing but means another, often the opposite.

Front

Example of verbal irony: A man looks out at a storm and says, 'Wonderful weather we're having!'

Back

This is verbal irony because the man's statement contradicts the reality of the storm.

Front

What is dramatic irony?

Back

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not.

Front

Example of dramatic irony: A man meets his long-lost son but does not recognize him, while the audience knows their relationship.

Back

This is dramatic irony because the audience has knowledge that the character lacks.

Front

What is the difference between situational irony and dramatic irony?

Back

Situational irony involves unexpected outcomes, while dramatic irony involves knowledge that the audience has but the characters do not.

Front

Example of a situation that is NOT ironic: Failing a test you did not study for.

Back

This is not ironic because the outcome is expected based on the lack of preparation.

Front

What is an example of dramatic irony in literature?

Back

In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo believes she is dead.