What is the meaning of irony in literature?

Literature. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated.

How is irony used in the everyday world?

Irony is a literary technique and rhetoric device that has been used for many years in speech, art and even everyday life. In the ordinary use of language, Pocket Fowler ‘s Modern English Usage describes irony as ‘an expression of meaning by use of words that have an opposite literal meaning or tendency’.

When is dramatic irony used for comic effect?

Dramatic irony can also be used for comic effect. A similar instance of dramatic irony, used this time for a black comic effect, occurs in Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, in which Imogen discovers a headless body which she mistakes for that of her lover, Posthumus.

Which is the best example of verbal irony?

Verbal irony, for instance, is a form of irony which arises from the difference between what a speaker says and what he or she means. A classic example of verbal irony used to comic effect occurs in the opening lines of Jane Austen ‘s novel Pride and Prejudice.

At its most fundamental, irony is a difference between reality and something’s appearance or expectation, creating a natural tension when presented in the context of a story.

What kind of irony is used in satire?

The nonliterary use of irony is usually considered sarcasm. Irony is among the most powerful devices used in satire. The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by J.E. Luebering, Executive Editorial Director.

How to know if a text has structural irony?

Structural irony is a little different so it will require a slightly different approach. The process for analysing structural irony is: Ask yourself if the structure of the text is antithetical to what is happening inside the text. This is often difficult to uncover during the first reading of the text.

Which is the best definition of cosmic irony?

Cosmic irony can be attributed to some sort of misfortune. This form of irony is the result of fate or chance and the outcomes are not a result of the characters’ actions. So it can seem as if an outside force has a hand in the situation.

What is the meaning of irony in literature?

Ironic literature exploits the contrast between an ideal and an actual condition, as when events turn out contrary to expectations. satire, also a literary and rhetorical form, is the use of ridicule in exposing human vice and folly.

Which is the best example of irony in a song?

People usually use sarcasm to attack something, but that’s not always the case with irony. Our old friend Alanis Morrissette did manage to get one example of irony into her song. When the man (in the song) whose plane is going down says “Well, isn’t this nice”, it’s clearly in the form of verbal irony.

Which is the best description of verbal irony?

Verbal irony and echoic allusion. Echoic allusion is the main component involved in conveying verbally ironic meaning. It is best described as a speech act by which the speaker simultaneously represents a thought, belief or idea, and implicitly attributes this idea to someone else who is wrong or deluded.

What kind of irony is Alanis Morissette singing?

Part of the reason people find it hard to give a definition of irony is because of Alanis Morissette’s 1995 hit song ‘ Ironic ‘. Morissette sings about a number of situations – like rain on one’s wedding day – that, while inconvenient, aren’t ironic.

Is the word irony synonymous with the word incongruous?

This sense, however, is not synonymous with “incongruous” but merely a definition of dramatic or situational irony. It is often included in definitions of irony not only that incongruity is present but also that the incongruity must reveal some aspect of human vanity or folly.

What are the three different types of irony?

Irony is a broad term that encompasses three different types of irony, each with their own specific definition: verbal irony, dramatic irony, and . Most of the time when people use the word irony, they’re actually referring to one of these specific types of irony.

What is the difference between irony and situational irony?

In simple words, it is a difference between appearance and reality. On the grounds of the above definition, we distinguish two basic types of irony: (1) verbal irony, and (2) situational irony. Verbal irony involves what one does not mean. For example, when in response to a foolish idea, we say, “What a great idea!” This is verbal irony.

Can you be ironic in the correct sense?

As irony has become more prevalent in popular culture, its definition has become harder to pin down. As a result, people are often misinterpreting something as ironic, when it is not. Today, we will examine a few common instances of irony, and explain how you can be ironic, in its correct sense.

What does it mean to wear ironic clothing?

Ironic clothing is essentially about wearing something unfashionable, while seeming to attempt to be fashionable. However, in order to use irony successfully, both you and your audience need to be in on the joke.

What’s the definition of irony in Alanis Morissette?

Let’s start by clearing up the definition of irony. Alanis Morissette threw off an entire generation by writing a song about unfortunate coincidences and calling it “Ironic.” Irony is a state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects, and is often amusing as a result.