Irony

Dramatic Irony

Produced when the audience’s or reader’s

knowledge of events surpasses that of the

characters. The words and actions therefore,

take on a different meaning for the audience/

reader than for the characters.

•Common technique used in horror movies

Situational IronyA discrepancy between the expected and

theactual state of affairs; a contradictory orbadly-timed outcome of events as if inmockery of the fitness of things. Simply, the unexpected happens.

A few examples:

• A firefighter’s house burns down

• Stories with a surprise ending

Verbal IronyThe use of words to express something otherthan (and especially the opposite of) the literalmeaning. Especially the humorous use ofpraise to imply condemnation or contempt.

“Ironic” by Alanis Morissette An old man turned ninety-eight

He won the lottery and died the next dayIt's a black fly in your ChardonnayIt's a death row pardon two minutes too lateAnd isn't it ironic... don't you think

Chorus It's like rain on your wedding day

It's a free ride when you've already paidIt's the good advice that you just didn't takeWho would've thought... it figures

Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to flyHe packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbyeHe waited his whole damn life to take that flightAnd as the plane crashed down he thought"Well isn't this nice..."And isn't it ironic... don't you think

[ repeat Chorus]

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on youWhen you think everything's okay and everything's going rightAnd life has a funny way of helping you out whenYou think everything's gone wrong and everything blows upIn your face

A traffic jam when you're already lateA no-smoking sign on your cigarette breakIt's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knifeIt's meeting the man of my dreamsAnd then meeting his beautiful wifeAnd isn't it ironic...don't you thinkA little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think...

Chorus It's like rain on your wedding day

It's a free ride when you've already paidIt's the good advice that you just didn't takeWho would've thought... it figures

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on youLife has a funny, funny way of helping you outHelping you out

Let’s Review-What is Irony?Irony is an implied discrepancy, or gap, between

what is said and what is meant. Also applies to situations where there is a gap between what is expected and what actually happens.