What is it? Irony is a literary device in which the author makes a contrast between appearance and reality, usually one in which reality is the opposite of what it seems.

Why do writers use it? To make the reader “stop and think” To amuse the reader To emphasize ideas To develop deeper meaning To help develop the plot

Situational Irony Situational Irony is a contrast between what a reader expects to happen and what actually happens. Situational Irony involves a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended. Authors use it to make the text thrilling and intriguing.

What other movies use Situational Irony?

Verbal Irony Verbal Irony is when someone says one thing, but means another. Sarcasm is a form of Verbal Irony. Authors use it for humorous effect.

Dramatic Irony Dramatic Irony is where the reader knows something that the character does not know. Authors use it to create suspense.

Which type of irony is this? Ch. 9: When Amir hides the watch and money under Hassan’s mattress and Baba asks Hassan to explain what happened. Dramatic Irony: The reader knows that Amir was trying to frame Hassan, but Baba does not.

Which type of irony is this? Ch. 5: Baba gives Hassan the gift of plastic surgery to fix his cleft lip, but Amir remarks that it was the winter Hassan stopped smiling. Situational Irony: The surgery should have made Hassan want to smile more.

Which type of irony is this? Ch. 16: Sanuabar leaves Hassan after she gives birth and then returns years later with a deformed and scarred face. Situational Irony: Sanuabar used to make fun of Ali & Hassan for their deformities and now she has deformities of her own. The reader would not expect for her to return to Hassan’s life, let alone become a loving grandmother.

Which type of irony is this? Ch. 9: At Amir’s party, Assef says, “Wali and Kamal are here too. They wouldn’t miss your birthday for anything.” “I heard you like to read so I brought you a book.” Amir responds, “Thanks for coming.” Verbal Irony: Assef is being sarcastic. The gift of the Hitler book was just his idea of a sick joke and a reminder of how Amir got away that day in the alley. Amir is obligated to respond, but does not mean what he says.

Which type of irony is this? Ch. 7: The reader knows that Amir was in the alley, watching as Hassan was brutalized. Dramatic Irony: The reader is aware of this fact, but has to wait as the other characters (Hassan, Ali, & Rahim Khan) find out on their own.

Prompt: Working with a partner, find another example of irony in The Kite Runner. On a sheet of paper, write down: 1.The Chapter # 2.Describe the scene 3.Identify & Explain the type of Irony