What is Irony?

“Irony” is a discrepancy or incongruity between what we perceive and what exists in actuality.

It occurs when we recognize that “reality” differs from “appearance” in some way.

Verbal Irony

Verbal Irony occurs when a narrator or character says one thing while actually suggesting the opposite.

“It’s easy to stop smoking. I’ve done it many times.”

Do not confuse verbal irony with sarcasm, which is usually more harsh and used to insult someone.

Situational Irony

Situational Irony occurs when an

outcome turns out differently from what

one would normally expect—a “twist.”

Often the “twist” is oddly appropriate.

Situational Irony (Examples)

A deep sea diver drowning in a bathtub. A marriage counselor filing for divorce. The hunter becoming the hunted.

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic Irony occurs when a character or

speaker says or does something that has

different meanings from what he or she

thinks it means, though the audience

understands the full implications of the

speech or action.

Dramatic Irony (Continued)

In other words, dramatic irony occurs

when the audience knows something that

the character is unaware of.

We know that Juliet is only sleeping.

Romeo thinks she’s dead.