What is the general definition of irony?
What is the general definition of irony?
Full Definition of irony 1a : the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning. b : a usually humorous or sardonic literary style or form characterized by irony. c : an ironic expression or utterance.
What is the definition of irony in literature?
In simplest terms, irony occurs in literature AND in life whenever a person says something or does something that departs from what they (or we) expect them to say or do. Just as there are countless ways of misunderstanding the world [sorry kids], there are many different kinds of irony.
What is a irony and example?
Verbal irony occurs when a speaker’s intention is the opposite of what he or she is saying. For example, a character stepping out into a hurricane and saying, “What nice weather we’re having!” Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows a key piece of information that a character in a play, movie or novel does not.
What is the definition of irony of situation?
noun. irony involving a situation in which actions have an effect that is opposite from what was intended, so that the outcome is contrary to what was expected.
Why is irony called irony?
The term irony has its roots in the Greek comic character Eiron, a clever underdog who by his wit repeatedly triumphs over the boastful character Alazon. It derives from the Latin ironia and ultimately from the Greek εἰρωνεία eirōneía, meaning ‘dissimulation, ignorance purposely affected’.
What an irony or what a irony?
the humorous or mildly sarcastic use of words to imply the opposite of what they normally mean. an instance of this, used to draw attention to some incongruity or irrationality. incongruity between what is expected to be and what actually is, or a situation or result showing such incongruity. See dramatic irony.
What is the irony in 1984?
The party maintains control with the ironic use of doublethink: the ability to think two completely contradictory thoughts at the same time, believing both to be true. The irony in 1984 by George Orwell is embodied in the party’s slogan: War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength.
Is irony figure of speech?
Irony is a figure of speech and one of the most widely- known literary devices, which is used to express a strong emotion or raise a point. As defined, Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is opposite of what is actually said.
How do you explain irony to a child?
Irony is when something happens that is the opposite from what is expected. Irony can be categorized into different types, including verbal irony, dramatic irony, and situational irony.
What are the 3 main types of irony?
There are primarily three types of irony: dramatic, situational, and verbal….3 Types of Irony
- Dramatic irony: Also known as tragic irony, this type of irony occurs when the audience knows something that the main characters do not.
- Situational irony: Situational irony occurs when an expected outcome is subverted.
How do you identify irony?
See if there is incongruity between action and structure in a drama or film, or a text like a poem or narrative.
- If it is occurring in a dramatic or filmic text, then it is dramatic irony.
- If it is occurring in a novel, poem, or narrative text, then it is structural irony.
Why is 1984 on the banned book list?
Why it was banned: George Orwell’s 1984 has repeatedly been banned and challenged in the past for its social and political themes, as well as for sexual content. Additionally, in 1981, the book was challenged in Jackson County, Florida, for being pro-communism.
What is irony and what is it for?
Lots of people know what irony is but find it hard to explain – despite all those high school English lessons. So here’s an irony definition. It’s a literary device that highlights the incongruity (a fancy word for ‘difference’) between one’s expectation for a situation, and the reality.
What is an example of verbal irony in literature?
For example, if someone has a painful visit to the dentist and when it’s over says, “Well, that was pleasant,” they are using verbal irony because the intended meaning of their words (that it wasn’t at all pleasant) is the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Verbal irony is the most common form of irony.
What does it mean to be ironic?
In the last twenty years or so, the term “ironic” has become popular to describe an attitude of detachment or subversive humor, like that of someone who wears a Christmas sweater as a joke.
What is the meaning of cosmic irony?
The word irony refers to the limits of human meaning; we do not see the effects of what we do, the outcomes of our actions, or the forces that exceed our choices. Such irony is cosmic irony, or the irony of fate.