Irony

Verbal Irony

Verbal Irony is when words express something contrary to truth or someone says the opposite of what they really feel or mean. Verbal irony is often sarcastic. Ex. Looking at her son's messy room, Mom says, "Wow, you could win an award for cleanliness!"

An example of situational irony is?

In the Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Coleridge, the men are surrounded by an ocean of water, but they are dying of thirst ("Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink.")

Situational Irony

Situational Irony occurs when actions or events have the opposite result from what is expected or what is intended. Ex. The fire station burns down while the firemen are out on a call.

An example of verbal irony is?

A small child does not flush the toilet, and the mother says, "I really appreciate when you flush the toilet! Thank you for remembering your manners!"

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic Irony occurs when the audience (of a movie, play, etc.) understands something about a character's actions or an event but the characters do not. Ex. In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is only asleep-not dead-but Romeo does not, and he kills himself.

An example of dramatic irony is?

In Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, we know that the old woman bringing the apple is the wicked queen who wants to kill Snow White, but she does not. She purchases the apple, takes a bite, and falls.