What is the definition of irony?
What is the definition of irony?
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 an example of tragic irony?
2: a situation that is strange or funny because things happen in a way that seems to be the opposite of what you expected It was a tragic irony that he made himself sick by worrying so much about his health. The (awful/bitter) irony is that in trying to forget her, he thought of her even more. See More Examples.
What is the irony of human intelligence?
The great irony of human intelligence is that the only species on Earth capable of reason, complex-problem solving, long-term planning and consciousness understands so little about the organ that makes it all possible-the brain. – Amanda Bower, Time, 20 Aug.
What is the difference between Socratic irony and tragic irony?
The other refers to dramatic irony or tragic irony—an incongruity between the situation in a drama and the words used by the characters that only the audience can see. Socratic irony is a tool used in debating; dramatic irony is what happens when the audience realizes that Romeo and Juliet’s plans will go awry.
How effective is irony as a literary device?
There are many forms of irony featured in literature. 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.
What is the meaning of tinged irony?
Irony is a subtle form of humor that involves saying things that are the opposite of what you really mean. His tone was tinged with irony. 2. variable noun. If you talk about the irony of a situation, you mean that it is odd or amusing because it involves a contrast.
Is irony a figure of speech?
Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. It may also be a situation that ends up in quite a different way than what is generally anticipated. In real life circumstances, irony may be comical, bitter, or sometimes unbearably offensive.
What are the three types of irony in literature?
Here are the irony definitions for the three main types: Situational irony involves a situation where the outcome is different than expected. Dramatic irony is when the audience is privy to information that the characters aren’t. Verbal irony is when someone says one thing, but means another.
How long have we been using the word irony?
The historical record shows that irony and ironic have been used imprecisely for almost 100 years at least, and often to refer to coincidence. This 1939 quote from F.
What is verbal irony?
Verbal irony is when someone says the opposite of what they mean. It’s also known as a figure of speech because you don’t take the literal meaning. Like when a teacher tells a quiet class, “Don’t everyone speak at once!” But here’s where it gets tricky: Verbal irony is often mistaken for sarcasm.
What is the meaning of pathbreaking?
One that opens a path or trail. One that is original or innovative; a pioneer. A person who carries out pathbreaking work.
What is the (awful/bitter) irony?
The (awful/bitter) irony is that in trying to forget her, he thought of her even more. See More Examples That’s just one of life’s little ironies. The irony of the situation was apparent to everyone. He has a strong sense of irony. Hide Choose the Right Synonym What’s irony? Example Sentences Learn More About irony
What is an example of irony in Oedipus Rex?
Sophocles ‘ Oedipus Rex provides a classic example of tragic irony at its fullest. Claire Colebrook writes: Tragic irony is exemplified in ancient drama…. The audience watched a drama unfold, already knowing its destined outcome…. In Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, for example, ‘we’ (the audience) can see what Oedipus is blind to.
What is an example of historical irony?
Historical irony is therefore a subset of cosmic irony, but one in which the element of time is bound to play a role. Another example could be that of the Vietnam War, where in the 1960s the US attempted to stop the Viet Cong (Viet Minh) taking over South Vietnam.
Verbal irony is a statement in which the meaning that a speaker employs is sharply different from the meaning that is ostensibly expressed.
What is meta irony in literature?
Meta irony: When an ironic or sarcastic joke is presented under an ironic lens, or “being ironic about being ironic” and even meta ironic statements are ironicised. Sprayed comment below a memorial plaque for Alois Alzheimer who first described Alzheimer’s disease – the German text means “Alois, we will never forget you!”
What is irony according to Schopenhauer?
Schopenhauer, in The World as Will and Representation, Volume 2, Chapter 8, claimed that the complete and total opposition between what is thought and what is seen constitutes irony. He wrote: “… if with deliberate intention something real and perceptible is brought directly under the concept of its opposite, the result is plain, common irony.
What is verbal irony in film?
Whether it’s to highlight a witty character, lighten tension during a dark or difficult scene, or simply make people laugh, verbal irony can provide a much-needed moment of comic relief. As you might expect, verbal irony is a common joke component.
What is an example of dramatic irony?
Dramatic irony is a type of irony in which the audience is aware of something that is happening in the narrative that a character in the story does not know. An example of dramatic irony may be found in Virgil’s epic tale, the Aeneid.
What is political asylum?
Political asylum is the right to live in a foreign country and is given by the government of that country to people who have to leave their own country for political reasons . …a university teacher who is seeking political asylum in Britain.
What is ironic understatement and overstatement?
Understatement and overstatement can also be ironic. Irony is a characteristic stylistic feature of postmodernism. See also dramatic irony.