Literary Irony: Types and Examples

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of irony in literary settings?

To confuse and mislead readers

To criticize, mock, show contempt, and condemn evil (correct)

To praise and commend good actions

To create a sense of unity and harmony

What type of irony occurs when someone pretends ignorance to reveal someone else's ignorance or inconsistency?

Socratic irony (correct)

Sarcasm

Understatement

Dramatic irony

What is the purpose of using irony in literary works?

To highlight the incongruity between appearance and reality (correct)

To create a sense of unity and harmony

To praise and commend good actions

To create a sense of ambiguity and confusion

What literary device is used when a diplomat says 'We have reached an impasse' to emphasize the breakdown of talks?

Hyperbole Signup and view all the answers

In Oedipus Rex, what type of irony is used to emphasize the nature of hubris?

Tragic Irony Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of combining irony with other literary devices?

It makes the tone more sarcastic and critical Signup and view all the answers

What type of irony is used in a story with an unreliable narrator?

Structural Irony Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for saying something opposite of its literal meaning, usually for humor?

Sarcasm Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is used to depict characters who are controlled by fate or the gods?

Cosmic Irony Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of the story 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant?

The danger of appearances deceiving Signup and view all the answers

What is the irony depicted in the story about Yoebright and her son?

Situational irony, as the gift of gold coins worsens the relationship Signup and view all the answers

What type of irony is demonstrated in the phrase 'It's to die for' spoken by Scar in The Lion King?

Verbal irony, as Scar uses a phrase with a different meaning Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Story of an Hour', what is the irony in Mrs. Mallard's death?

Verbal irony, as the physician's conclusion is incorrect Signup and view all the answers

In Romeo and Juliet, what type of irony occurs when Juliet takes the sleeping potion?

Dramatic irony, as the audience knows the truth about Juliet's potion Signup and view all the answers

What is the irony in the story about the husband and wife getting vaccinated?

Irony of fate, as the husband refuses vaccination but stays healthy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Irony

Irony is a literary device used to convey a meaning opposite of what is stated or expected.
It can be humorous or highlight the difference between appearance and reality.

Types of Irony

Verbal Irony: When the speaker means the opposite of what is stated.
- Examples: Socratic irony, sarcasm, understatement, and hyperbole.
Situational Irony: When the outcome is different from what is expected.
- Examples: Unexpected endings in stories, like "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Necklace".
Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something the characters do not.
- Examples: Tragic irony, structural irony, and cosmic irony.
- Types of dramatic irony:
  - Tragic Irony: Used to emphasize hubris, like in Oedipus Rex.
  - Structural Irony: When the narrator has limited understanding, like in The Go-Between.
  - Cosmic Irony: When characters are controlled by fate or indifferent forces, like in Return of the Native.

Examples of Irony

Verbal Irony: Scar's phrase "It's to die for" in The Lion King.
Situational Irony: Mrs. Mallard's death in "The Story of an Hour" due to the return of her husband.
Dramatic Irony: Romeo and Juliet's tragic ending due to miscommunication.
Real-Life Irony: A husband and wife's experience with a life-saving vaccine, where the wife dies despite being vaccinated, and the husband remains healthy without being vaccinated.

Irony in Literature and Real Life

Irony is used to criticize, mock, and show contempt, and can be used as a social critique.
Examples of irony in literature: The Hunger Games, The Gift of the Magi, The Necklace, Oedipus Rex, The Go-Between, and Romeo and Juliet.
Examples of irony in real life: Margaret Bourke-White's photo and the pandemic's effect on the Mona Lisa's smile.