IRONY The difference between what we expect to happen and what actually happens

There are 3 types of Irony: Situational irony Dramatic irony Verbal irony

Situational Irony The difference between what a reader or character expects and what actually exists or happens Layman’s Terms: Events turn out differently than expected Ex. You win a million dollars and then tomorrow you end up dying. Ex. You finally remember to bring a pencil to class for the first time all year; your teacher does everything hands on today and you don’t need to use it. Ex. Mrs. Merriman was told that she was having a baby girl. She gets little Tori’s room all ready for the day she arrives. Upon delivery, the doctor tells her she really had a boy.

Dramatic Irony The reader or viewer knows something that the character in the story does not know. Layman’s terms: when the audience knows more than the character Ex. In horror movies, the bad guy is behind the door waiting to kill the unsuspecting teen (we can see him, but she can’t) Ex. When you are watching a movie and the music gets scary. You know something is going to happen but the character in the movie has no idea. Ex. Your friend laughs at you and tells you that you forgot to take the price tag off of your jeans. After taking off the tag, you notice that as your friend walks away, s/he has a price sticker on the rear of his/her jeans.

Verbal Irony When someone knowingly exaggerates or says one thing and means another Layman’s terms: say one thing, mean another Ex. Your mom asks if you like her new hot pink leather pants. You tell her she looks great in them (even though they make her look hideous). Ex. Your best friend gets a new haircut and asks you what you think of it. You tell her it is a flattering cut even though her bangs hide her entire face and she looks like a fur ball. Ex. As you walk into math class, you cry, “This is my lucky day!” when you discover that you not only forgot your lunch money but you also forgot about your math test.

Irony is Everywhere! We use irony all the time… When you are sarcastic with your friends, you are using verbal irony. When you watch tv shows and you know what is going to happen, you are watching irony. When you expect something to happen and then something different occurs, that is ironic.

How is the following passage ironic? Snubbed by his supposed friends after losing all his money, the former millionaire said, “Now I know how loyal and faithful my friends were.” Key word/s indicating irony? Reason this is ironic?

How is the following passage ironic? “King Edward’s new policy of peace was very successful and culminated the Great War to End War. [It was followed by] the Peace to End Peace.” –W.C. Sellar and R.J. Yeatman, 1066 and All That Key word/s indicating irony? Reason for this being ironic?

How is the following passage ironic? He took castles and towns; he cut short limbs and lives; He made orphans and widows of children and wives; This course many years he triumphantly ran, And did mischief enough to be called a great man. - “Lines from Crochet Castle”by Thomas Love Peacock Key word/s indicating irony? Reason for this being ironic?