1. Irony Jennifer A. Bennett Sanderson High School
Raleigh, North Carolina
Wake County Public School System

2. Irony
Definition: an awareness of a contrast between appearances and reality
Types:
Verbal
Situational
Dramatic

3. Verbal Irony
When a character/speaker/narrator/etc. says one thing but means the opposite
Sarcasm is an example of verbal irony.
Examples:
In Julius Caesar, Marc Antony’s reference to Brutus being an “honorable man” is an example of verbal irony.
“And Brutus is an honorable man” (scan the lines for acting directions from the grave!)

4. Situational Irony When the opposite of what is expected happens
Involves the element of surprise
Example: O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi”
Catches both the characters and the audience by surprise

5. Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something that the characters do not
Adds suspense/tension to the story
Examples:
Oedipus Rex
Romeo and Juliet
Any horror movie