Irony

Irony• Definition:

an awareness of a contrast between appearances and reality

• Types:– Verbal– Situational– Dramatic

Verbal Irony• When a character/speaker/narrator/etc.

Says one thing but means the opposite• Sarcasm is an example of verbal irony.• Examples:– In Julius Caesar, Marc Antony’s reference to

Brutus being an “honorable man” is an example of verbal irony.

– “And Brutus is an honorable man” (scan the lines for acting directions from the grave!)

Situational Irony• When the opposite of what is expected

happens• Involves the element of surprise• Example:

O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi”– Catches both the characters and the

audience by surprise

Dramatic Irony• When the audience knows something that

the characters do not• Adds suspense/tension to the story • Examples:– Oedipus Rex– Romeo and Juliet– Any horror movie