1. Irony
A contradiction between what happens and what you expect to happen
Examples:
A fireman afraid of fire
A dentist with 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 (sarcasm)

2. What is Irony? Irony is about expectations.
Irony: the opposite of what is expected.
3 kinds of irony
Verbal
Dramatic
Situational

3. Verbal Irony Saying one thing but meaning another
Also called sarcasm or being sarcastic.
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 express in a haughty tone, “Thanks a lot!”

4. Dramatic Irony
When the reader understands more about the events of a story than a character.
You know something that a character doesn’t.
Example
Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on the test, but we know he cheated.
Alex writes a love poem to Judy but we know that Judy loves Devin.

5. Dramatic Irony Continued
Example:
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 that comes from great wealth.

6. Situational Irony
When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected.
Something about the situation is completely unexpected.
Example
General Sedgwick’s last words were, “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.”
Bill Gates uses an Apple computer.

7. What kind of irony is evident in the cartoon?

8. An escalator leading to a fitness center.

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