Definition Of Irony Literary Device
Irony linguistic and literary device in spoken or written form in which real meaning is concealed or contradicted that may be the result of the literal ostensible meaning of words contradicting their actual meaning verbal irony or of a structural incongruity between what is expected and what occurs dramatic irony.
Definition of irony literary device. Irony definition irony eye run ee is a literary device in which a word or event means something different and often contradictory to its actual meaning. This can be a difference between the surface meaning of something that is said and the underlying meaning. Irony from ancient greek εἰρωνεία eirōneía dissimulation feigned ignorance 1 in its broadest sense is a rhetorical device literary technique or event in which what on the surface appears to be the case or to be expected differs radically from what is actually the case. Significance of situational irony in literature though the definition of situational irony is relatively modern the concept of situational irony dates back millennia.
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. Verbal irony dramatic irony and situational irony. Situational irony can be humorous tragic or didactic in. Irony states to contrary to what is meant but in a way that still makes the actual meaning understood.
Irony is a literary device where the chosen words are intentionally used to indicate a meaning other than the literal one. Often irony is used to suggest the stark contrast of the literal meaning being put forth. Sarcasm is actually a form of verbal irony but sarcasm is intentionally insulting. The effectiveness of irony as a literary device depends on the reader s expectations and understanding of the disparity between what should happen and what actually happens in a literary work.
If this seems like a loose definition don t worry it is. In short irony is a literary or rhetorical device that states or shows the opposite of what is actually true for humorous or emphatic effect. Irony is often mistaken for sarcasm. Definition of irony as a literary device irony is a contrast or incongruity between expectations for a situation and what is reality.
It can also be a difference. There are situational irony examples in ancient greek drama such as in oedipus rex and examples of fable like the tortoise being able to beat the hare in a footrace. The use of irony in literature refers to playing around with words such that the meaning implied by a sentence or word is actually different from the literal meaning. Irony is a literary device in which contradictory statements or situations reveal a reality that is different from what appears to be true.