Irony English 11

What is irony?  Irony is the use of words to express something different from, and often opposite to, their literal meaning.  There is a contrast between what is stated and what is meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.  There are 3 types of irony 1.Verbal 2.Dramatic 3.Situational

Verbal Irony  A word or phrase is used to suggest the opposite of its usual meaning.  Examples: Sarcasm  1.“The locker room smells really good.” 2.“Awesome! Another homework packet!”

Dramatic Irony  Occurs when there is a contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader or audience knows.  Examples: 1.Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on the test, but we know he cheated. 2.When watching a talk show, the audience knows why a person has been brought on the show. However, the person sitting in a chair does not know that he is going to be reunited with a former flame.

Situational Irony  Occurs when an event contradicts the expectations of the characters, of the reader, or of the audience.  Examples: 1.The mayor’s wife gets caught stealing. 2.You stay up all night studying for a test. When you go to class, you discover the test isn’t until the next day.

Why do writers use irony?  Irony inverts our expectations. It can create the unexpected twist at the end of a joke or a story.  Verbal irony tends to be funny.  Situational irony can be funny or tragic.  Dramatic irony is often tragic.

Which type of irony is this?

 As your teacher is signing detention forms for students who did not complete their homework, she says in an irritated voice, “I just love when students don’t do their homework!”  Verbal Irony  Alex writes a love poem to Judy, but we know that Judy really loves Devin, not Alex.  Dramatic Irony

What type of irony is this? Verbal Irony

Which type of irony is this? Situational Irony

Which type of irony is this?  In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the reader knows that Brutus is plotting to kill Julius Caesar, but Julius Caesar does not know this. He thinks that Brutus is a loyal man to him.  Dramatic Irony  You have a six-foot tall friend who you call “Shorty.”  Verbal Irony

What type of irony is this? Verbal Irony

What type of irony is this? Dramatic Irony

Which type of irony is this? Situational Irony

Now, it’s your turn  Independently complete the “Identifying Irony” worksheet. Carefully read each passage, identify the type of irony present, and explain your answer. “Identifying Irony” Worksheet