Irony Mini-Lesson ELA 7 Perseverance: “The Ransom of Red Chief” Learning Objectives: Students will be able to define irony. Students will be able to identify the three kinds of irony. Students will be able to evaluate a situation for irony.

Irony A contradiction between what happens and what you expect to happen Examples: A fireman is afraid of fire. A dentist has crooked teeth and cavities galore. You shout, “I’m not upset!” but your fists are clenched, your eyes look like they are ready to pop out, and your face is the color of tomato red.

Three Kinds of Irony Verbal Irony Dramatic Irony Situational Irony

Verbal Irony saying one thing but meaning another the character and the reader are aware of the irony Examples: 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!” It’s raining cats and dogs outside. You took the day off from work today to finally put up a fence post because of your annoying neighbors. You express, “This weather is just lovely.” Your friend spoils the ending of a movie for you, and you comment in a haughty tone, “Thanks a lot!”

Verbal Irony sarcasm = the use of irony to mock or convey contempt IMPORTANT: Verbal irony does not equal sarcasm! sarcasm = the use of irony to mock or convey contempt Ex: You see your co-worker sitting down reading the newspaper and drinking coffee, so you say, “Wow! You look really busy!” Here, you are using verbal irony to express your irritation and discontent with your co-worker. So, remember, sarcasm includes verbal irony, but not all verbal irony is sarcastic.

Dramatic Irony The reader/audience knows something about a character’s situation that a character does not know. The reader/audience is aware of the irony. The character is unaware of the irony.

Dramatic Irony Continued Examples: In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, we know 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. In Cinderella, the prince goes searching for the “princess” who lost her slipper at the ball. The prince does not know that she is a poor girl, almost a slave to her stepsisters and stepmother. It is ironic because we know the owner of the shoe is Cinderella, a poor girl, but he thinks it is a girl who comes from great wealth.

Situational Irony the outcome of a situation is inconsistent with what one expects would logically or normally occur what actually happens is not what is expected to happen the character and the reader are unaware of the irony

Situational Irony Example: You expect a prince to rescue the princess locked in a tower and guarded by a dragon. Therefore, in the movie Shrek, an ogre saving the princess is the opposite of what you expect to happen.

Review Something that is ironic is unexpected. If everyone is aware, it’s verbal. If unexpected by a character, it’s dramatic. If unexpected by everyone, it’s situational.

Irony Notes What is IRONY? Definition Example Verbal Irony Name: Teacher: ELA Period: Date: Irony Notes What is IRONY? _______________________________________________________________ Definition Example Verbal Irony Dramatic Irony Situational Irony

Irony Practice What kind of irony is in the above cartoon? _____________________________________ Explain: What kind of irony is in the above cartoon? _____________________________________ Explain:

Irony Practice Example Type of Irony Explanation There is a rat infestation at the health department. Mother: “I see you just ironed your shirt.” Son: “Huh? I just dug it out of the hamper.” A person tweets about what a waste of time Twitter is. The Emperor is parading through the town without any clothes. We know he is naked, but he thinks he has on a beautiful suit made of gold. Verbal Irony Dramatic Irony Situational Irony