Irony

Examples of irony 2 Hipsters dress ironically (lumberjack outfit) The Daily Show puts an ironic twist on the news The unsinkable Titanic sinking on its first voyage

Misuse of the term “Irony” 3 Irony or Coincidence? Often used when circumstances change from good to bad or from bad to good. “Isn’t It Ironic?” by Alanis Morisette Rain on wedding day…bad luck, coincidence

Basic Definition 4 The presence of a second, contradictory meaning within an expression or situation.

Origin of Irony 5 Stock character in Greek tragedy called Eiron Eiron acted like a buffoon but always outwitted the boastful character Alazon. Since the audience had seen other plays with Eiron in it, they knew Eiron was crafty even though he acted like a fool to trick the other characters. (dramatic irony) The irony test – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Socratic Irony 6 Socrates – Greek philosopher, travelling teacher, questioner Socrates would pretend he knew less than he did Example: A teacher pretending he or she knows less than they do: “Why did MLK write a speech?” Example: Sasha Baron Coen playing Alli G or Borat The irony test – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Many Kinds of Irony 7 Socratic irony Verbal irony Dramatic irony Situational irony Cosmic irony

Dramatic Irony 8 Dramatic irony – when the audience knows something that a character does not Romeo’s suicide in Romeo and Juliette The irony test – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Dramatic Irony 9 The Truman Show Dexter The irony test – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Verbal Irony 10 Verbal irony – when someone says one thing but means the opposite

Verbal Irony - Sarcasm 11 Saying one thing and meaning the opposite in order to mock Example: Your defense was so tight I only scored 55 points! THE IRONY TEST THE IRONY TEST – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Verbal Irony - Understatement 12 “Well, I had an eventful day.” (When there was an earthquake and zombies attacked you on your way home) THE IRONY TEST THE IRONY TEST – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Verbal Irony – Overstatement (hyperbole) 13 Hyperbole (overstatement) – when you purposefully exaggerate “Mr. Smolin, you’re right. I’m 5 minutes late. It’s a cosmic event.” (a cosmic event is when a star explodes or a solar system is formed) THE IRONY TEST THE IRONY TEST – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Verbal Irony (Example) 14 Mean Girls THE IRONY TEST THE IRONY TEST – Is there a second, contrary meaning in an expression or situation? On the surface, literal level…, on a secondary level…

Situational Irony 15 Situational irony – when a situation turns out the opposite of what is expected, but this turnout is somehow appropriate or meaningful

Situational Irony Example 16 Frankenstein – An inventor breaks the rules of nature and creates life. The invention turns on the inventor. THE SITUATIONAL IRONY TEST THE SITUATIONAL IRONY TEST – Does something turn out the opposite to what is expected? Is this turnout meaningful? The inventor expects his invention to be of some help to him, but the invention does the opposite and turns against him. On a secondary level, although this turnout is unexpected, it is somehow appropriate.

Situational Irony Example 17 Iron Man - "How ironic, Tony! Trying to rid the world of weapons, you gave it its best one ever!” THE SITUATIONAL IRONY TEST THE SITUATIONAL IRONY TEST – Does something turn out the opposite of what is expected? Is this turnout meaningful?

Review 18 Irony is when there is a secondary, contrary meaning within a situation or expression. Situational irony is when a situation turns out the opposite of what is expected, but this turnout is somehow appropriate or meaningful.