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Last updated on Nov 03, 2022

3 Types of Irony: Tell Them Apart With Confidence (+ Examples)

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About Martin Cavannagh

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Irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens. In writing, there are three types of irony — verbal, situational, and dramatic.

• Verbal irony is when a person says one thing but means the opposite;
• Situational irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens; and
• Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that characters do not.

The term “irony” comes from the Greek word eironeia , meaning "feigned ignorance," and many storytellers of all stripes like to employ different forms of irony as the central conceit in a plot.

To help you make heads or tails of this technique, this article will dig into the three common types of irony.

1. Verbal irony

Verbal irony is where the intended meaning of a statement is the opposite of what is actually said. People and literary characters alike use it to express amusement, emphasize a point, or to voice frustration or anger. In literature, verbal irony can create suspense, tension, or a comic effect. 

Verbal irony is actually the type of irony most used in everyday conversation, and can take the form of sarcasm — which is almost always used to denigrate someone or something. Regardless, the two are not the same thing, though many people conflate the concepts. 

To illustrate, here are a few common phrases that perfectly exemplify how verbal irony works — many of them similes comparing two entirely unlike things:

• "Clear as mud."
• "Friendly as a rattlesnake."
• "About as much fun as a root canal."

Understating and overstating

Broadly speaking, verbal irony works by either understating or overstating the gravity of the situation. 

An ironic understatement creates contrast by undermining the impact of something, though the thing itself will be rather substantial or severe. For example, in The Catcher in the Rye , Holden Caulfield casually says, "I have to have this operation. It isn't very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain." Of course, Holden is lying here, which is why he can be so cavalier — and the nonchalant way he downplays something as serious as a brain tumor is ironic.

On the other hand, an ironic overstatement makes something minor sound like a much bigger deal to emphasize a quality it lacks. For example, say you win $5 in a lottery where the grand prize is $100 million. A friend asks you if you won anything, and you say, "Yeah, total jackpot" — that's an ironic overstatement.

💡 Note: Don’t confuse ironic overstatements with hyperbole , which are exaggerated statements . If a character says "I'm so tired, I could sleep for a million years,” and they are genuinely tired, that isn’t ironic — just exaggerated.

Highlighting a fallacy

Verbal irony is often used for satirical purposes, exaggerating or underplaying descriptions to reveal a deeper truth. Viewed through a lens of overstatement or understatement, the reader can see how flawed the original concept might be.

Verbal irony can be found in the very first lines of Romeo and Juliet (a play riddled with irony).

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

Though the first line may sound respectful, we can see by the end of this verse that Shakespeare doesn’t actually mean to say that both households are alike in their great dignity. Instead, these lines imply the total opposite — that both households are equally un dignified. This irony also serves another purpose: notifying first-time readers that not all that glitters is gold. While both families might technically be considered nobility, their shared inability to act nobly toward one another ultimately leads to a bitter end for our tragic heroes.

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Providing insight into characters

Dialogue is an incredible tool for revealing what a character is like as how they choose to say something can speak volumes about who they are. Very often, people who use verbal irony tend to be highly self-aware.

For example, in Casablanca, the corrupt (yet charming) police captain Louis Renault follows instructions from German officials  to order a raid on Rick's nightclub under the pretext of closing an illegal gambling den. "I'm shocked — shocked! — to find that gambling is going on in here!" Renault exclaims while thanking Rick’s croupier for bringing him his winnings. This knowing overstatement of 'shocked' reveals a lot about his cheerfully cynical worldview.

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Creating a comic effect

Of course, verbal irony can also be used for a simple comic result. Whether it's to highlight a witty character, lighten tension during a dark or difficult scene, or just to make people laugh, verbal irony can provide a much-needed moment of humorous relief. As you might expect, verbal irony is a common joke component.

For example, in Notting Hill , when love interests Anna and Will first meet at his bookshop , he confronts a man who’s trying to steal a book, and very politely threatens to call the police. When he returns to the till to help Anna, she hands over the book she’d like to buy and says “I was gonna steal one, but now I’ve changed my mind.” Obviously, the statement isn’t true — she’s using verbal irony to make light of the situation, diffusing awkwardness and showing her friendly inclination.

2. Situational irony

In literature, situational irony is a literary or plot device occurring when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. You can use it to create suspense, humor, and surprise in your writing.

You can think of it as “the irony of events” to distinguish from the other types of irony, but it is not the same as coincidence or bad luck (apologies to Alanis Morrisette ). If you buy a new car and then accidentally drive it into a tree, that is coincidental and unlucky, but not ironic. However, if a professional stunt driver crashes into a tree on their way home from receiving a "best driver" award, that is situationally ironic. 

Within the context of a story, why might a writer use situational irony?

Creating a good ol’ fashioned twist

Authors can draw strong reactions from their readers by presenting them with carefully executed twists and turns. A plot twist is all the more delicious when it's the polar opposite of what you'd typically expect. Storylines based on or containing situational irony inherently possess an element of surprise, so they're common in the comedy, thriller, crime, and mystery genres.

In Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest , for example, Jack proposes to Gwendolen under his fake name of Ernest, hoping to share the truth about his name once he’s been accepted. His plan is quickly thwarted when she accepts him because of his name, telling him that her “ideal has always been to love some one of the name of Ernest.” When he asks her what he thinks of “Jack” as a name, she declares that “The only really safe name is Ernest” — so his plan to reveal the truth is suddenly turned on its head, and he resolves to get christened as soon as possible. 

Emphasizing a theme or moral lesson

Steering readers to an unexpected destination in a story can also emphasize a theme or moral lesson — often reminding readers that an expected outcome is not always guaranteed. And because situational irony can urge readers to think twice about their own assumptions, authors often deploy it in fables or morality tales.

In Aesop's 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' for example, the unexpected outcome teaches us that slow and steady wins the race . Or perhaps the real moral is that you shouldn't be complacent and take naps during races.

Situational irony creates a contrast between appearances and underlying truths. When done properly, this can significantly alter a reader's interaction with, expectations of, and insight into a story. But irony must be used with care: without the help of intonation and body language, it requires people to read between the lines to understand its intentions; a reader who doesn’t see the irony will take these words at face value.

3. Dramatic irony

Dramatic irony occurs when the reader or viewer knows something that the characters in the story do not. This can create a sense of unease or anticipation as the audience waits to see how the characters will react to the situation they are in. 

So, to what effect can dramatic irony be used in a story?

Building fear and suspense

When readers or viewers know more than the characters do, they’re often left on pins and needles, waiting for the other shoe to drop or for an inevitable plot point to appear. Will the character discover the secret we already know? What will happen when they find out the truth? What if they find out the truth too late? Subconsciously, all of these questions run through their minds as the story unfolds, contributing to page-turning suspense.

The Hobbit contains a perfect example of dramatic irony — when Bilbo happens upon the ring while lost on a mountain, he puts it in his pocket and soon afterward encounters Gollum.

At this point, readers understand the significance of the ring and its importance to Gollum. However, Gollum does not yet realize he has lost the ring, and Bilbo doesn’t yet know who the ring belongs to. For this reason, the scene where Bilbo and Gollum engage in a game of riddles becomes more stressful for the audience who understands what’s at stake. 

📚 For some truly impressive suspense-building, check out this list of the 50 best suspense books of all time.

Eliciting sympathy for a character

If a character is happy but we know that tragedy lies ahead, we can’t help but sympathize with them. If the reader or audience is already "rooting for" the characters, they will hold on to the hope that things will turn out okay for them. And whatever the end result is — pain or relief —  the reader is likely to feel it twofold.

The audience knew all along! (image: Touchstone Pictures)

In the modern-day Shakespeare adaptation Ten Things I Hate About You , for example, bad-boy transfer student Patrick is paid by his classmate to woo the cold and aloof Kat. The audience knows that Kat will eventually discover the truth. The deception will wound her, and Patrick will (justifiably) lose her trust. This dramatic irony gives the scenes where they fall in love a bittersweet edge, making us sympathize with both characters. 

In fact, many romance tropes rely on dramatic irony, like the hate-to-love trope — just on account of the characters existing in a romance novel, readers know they're going to end up together . This results in that “slow burn” anticipation where readers are dying to see the characters confess their feelings, but have to live with their impatience as the romance slowly runs its course.

Setting up comical misunderstandings

A lot of comedy comes out of misunderstandings — where a character believes something that the audience knows not to be true, or doesn’t yet know something important. The dramatic irony turns into comedic tension as the character obliviously digs themselves (or other characters) into a deeper hole.

To give you an example of how this works: in a season one episode of Friends , Joey tried to win back his ex-girlfriend Angela by arranging a double date. He brings Monica but  tells her that Angela’s new boyfriend, Bob, is actually her brother — making it seem as though Bob is Monica’s date. This misunderstanding turns to hilarious confusion as Monica is creeped out by how 'close' Bob and Angela seem to be.

Want more examples and in-depth explanation of any of these types of irony? We’ve spent some time breaking them down even further in the next posts in this guide — starting with verbal irony.

3 responses

Katharine Trauger says:

08/08/2017 – 05:39

I once received a birthday card telling me that irony is the opposite of wrinkly. But I do have a question: I believe, as you related to Hitchcock and I think about his works, that he used irony extensively, even more than one instance in a piece. It's a lot to remember and I've certainly not examined his works to verify that. However, I wonder if, although his works were beyond successful and loved by many, just how much irony is acceptable in today's writing. I agree it is a great device, but can it be overdone? Also, I am writing a piece which has what I believe an ironic ending. Is that a bad place to put a huge departure from the expected? I think O'Henry did that a lot, like when the man sells his watch to buy combs for his wife, and she sells her hair to buy a chain for his watch... But today, how much is too much and will readers come back for more?

↪️ Jim Morrison replied:

20/06/2018 – 21:42

While irony can be overused, it is not a bad thing to use irony - even to end a book. "Story" by Robert McKee discusses irony as an ending and explains how to use it and when to use it. As to your question about how much irony is accepted in today's society, I would say that it is more acceptable than before. With today's writing - particularly in theater - irony is a heavily used element. Thor: Ragnarok, for example, is dripping with ironic situations. Satire, the personal wheelhouse of Vonnegut and Heller, is not only a highbrow version of sarcasm, it is also heavy on the irony. So I say, personally, be as ironic as you want, just, as mentioned in the blog, be careful you don't overuse it to the point that the use of irony becomes ironic (i.e. you lose the audience). Cheers and happy writing.

Naughty Autie says:

30/05/2019 – 15:37

There is a blog which does not allow comments, yet it's called 'The Conversation'. Funny, I always thought that a conversation always took place between multiple people.

Comments are currently closed.

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• Writing Tips

The Three Types of Irony: Verbal, Situational and Dramatic

4-minute read

• 14th April 2020

Irony is often misunderstood. And the fact there are three types doesn’t help! But it is a useful tool in literary writing and may even crop up in daily life, so it is worth understanding the differences between the three key types of irony:

• Verbal irony (i.e., using words in a non-literal way)
• Situational irony (i.e., a difference between the expected and actual outcomes of a situation or action)
• Dramatic irony (i.e., an audience knowing something the characters don’t)

Check out our guide below for more on how these work. And if you’re concerned about misusing the term “irony” in your writing, you can also take a look at our post on using the word “ironic” correctly.

Verbal Irony

Verbal irony involves using words to mean the opposite of their literal definitions. Or, in simpler terms, verbal irony is saying one thing but meaning the opposite. For instance, imagine someone saying the following:

What a great day: I crashed my car and lost my winning lottery ticket!

Here, the speaker is using “great” ironically. They’ve actually had a terrible day! But they say the opposite of what they mean to draw attention to the difference between a “great” day and the one they really had.

One common form of verbal irony is sarcasm, where the speaker uses irony to mock or make fun of something. However, not all verbal irony is sarcastic: irony is only sarcasm when the aim is to ridicule.

Situational Irony

Situational irony occurs when the outcome of a circumstance or action does not match our expectations. Think about Aesop’s fable of “The Tortoise and the Hare.” Just like the hare, at the outset, we’d never expect the tortoise to win the race because hares are much faster. The unexpected nature of the tortoise’s eventual win emphasizes the moral of the story , that persistence and focus are important for success, or “slow and steady wins the race.”

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This type of irony allows writer to make a strong impression by subverting the reader’s expectations. It can be used simply to shock or entertain, but it can also encourage an audience to reflect on a key theme.

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is a structural device that involves the audience knowing something the characters are unaware of. This is often a key piece of information about a situation and its likely outcome.

This type of irony increases tension, makes the audience feel powerful (I know something they don’t know!), and builds up anticipation. When will the truth finally be found out? How will the characters react?

A well-known literary example of dramatic irony is seen in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet . (Spoilers ahead!) Romeo kills himself because he believes Juliet is dead , when the audience knows that she is about to wake up.

Using Irony in Your Own Writing

If you’re considering using irony in your writing, keep these key points in mind:

• Irony involves things not being what they seem, so you can use it to entertain and surprise, but also to emphasize certain themes in a text.
• It can be used to comic or tragic effect.
• Irony can include a lot of things, from a few words used ironically to make a point to an overarching structural device that runs through a story.

As such, it is worth thinking about the three types of irony and which one(s) you intend to use. And if you’re working on some writing at the moment, remember that our expert proofreaders are on hand 24/7 to help you make sure the final product is the best it can be.

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Irony Definition

What is irony? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition, don't worry—it is. Irony is a broad term that encompasses three different types of irony, each with their own specific definition:  verbal irony ,  dramatic irony , and  situational irony . Most of the time when people use the word irony, they're actually referring to one of these specific types of irony.

Some additional key details about irony:

• The term "irony" comes from the ancient Greek comic character called the "eiron," who pretends ignorance in order to deceive an opponent. 
• Irony overlaps with, but is not identical to, sarcasm and satire . 
• 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. This more recent meaning of ironic is not entirely consistent with the original meaning of irony (a fact which itself might be described as being somewhat ironic). 

Irony Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce irony: eye -run-ee

Irony in Depth

The term "irony" usually refers to three particular types of irony:

• Verbal irony is a figure of speech in which the literal meaning of what someone says is different from—and often opposite to—what they actually mean. 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. In fact it is so common that when people mention "irony," they often are actually referring to verbal irony. 
• Dramatic irony  Is a plot device that highlights the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the audience. When the audience watching a movie know what's behind that door, but the character in the movie has no idea... that's dramatic irony. 
• Situational irony  refers to an unexpected, paradoxical, or perverse turn of events. It is an example of situational irony when, in the O. Henry story " The Gift of the Magi ," a young wife cuts off her hair in order to buy her husband a chain for his prized watch, but the husband sells his watch to buy his wife a comb for her beautiful hair. 

Although these three kinds of irony may seem very different at first glance, they all share one important quality: a tension between how things appear and how they really are. For a more in-depth look at each of these devices, please visit their individual pages.

Also, it's worth knowing that sometimes instances of irony don't quite fit into any of these categories, and instead align with the more general definition of irony as something that seems to be one way, but is in fact another way. Put more broadly: sometimes irony is verbal irony, sometimes it's dramatic irony, sometimes it's situational irony, and sometimes it's just irony. 

Irony, Sarcasm, and Satire

Besides the three main types of irony described above, two other literary devices—sarcasm and satire—share a lot in common with irony:

• Sarcasm is a bitter, cutting, or mocking taunt used to denigrate a particular person, place, or thing. It can sometimes take the form of verbal irony. For instance, if you were to say to someone who had just cut you in line, "What a polite, civilized person you are!" that would be sarcasm in the form of irony, since your meaning is the opposite of the literal meaning of your words. Sarcasm very often involves irony. However, it doesn't always have to use irony. For instance, when Groucho Marx says "i never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception," he is being sarcastic, but his words, however witty they are, mean exactly what they say. 
• Satire is a form of social or political critique. Like sarcasm, it often makes use of irony, but it isn't always ironic.

You can get more details on both sarcasm and satire at their specific pages.

Irony Examples

All three forms of irony are used very frequently in literature, theater, and film. In addition, sometimes the irony found in any of these mediums is broader and doesn't fit into any of the specific categories, and is instead just general irony. 

Irony in "The Sell Out"

" The Sell Out " by Simon Rich is a short story recently published in the New Yorker that is full of irony. The story is narrated by a Polish Jew named Herschel, who lives in Brooklyn in the early twentieth century. Herschel accidentally preserves himself in brine for one hundred years, and when he is finally discovered, still alive, in 2017, he is introduced to his great-great-grandson, a young man who lives in present-day Brooklyn. On Herschel's first day, the great-great-grandson Simon tells Herschel about computers. Herschel describes the scene (note that Hershel's English isn't all that great):

It takes him long time, but eventually Simon is able to explain. A computer is a magical box that provides endless pleasure for free. Simon is used to constant access to this box—a never-ending flow of pleasures. When the box stops working—or even just briefly slows down—he becomes so enraged that he curses our God, the one who gave us life and brought us forth from Egypt.

This description is a great example of irony in the most general sense. The humor stems from the disparity between what seems to be true to Herschel (that computers are magic pleasure boxes) and what is actually true (that computers are, well, computers, and that people are kind of stupidly addicted to them). The use of irony is effective here because Hershel's description, as outlandish as it is, actually points to something that is  true about the way people use computers. Therefore, the disparity between "what is" and "what appears to be" to Herschel isn't merely a comical error; rather, it's ironic because it actually points to a greater truth about its subject.

Verbal Irony in Don Quixote

One famously ironic work is Miguel de Cervantes's Don Quixote .   At one point, the book's narrator states: 

… historians should and must be precise, truthful and unprejudiced, without allowing self-interest or fear, hostility or affection, to turn them away from the path of truth, whose mother is history.

We can identify the above quotation as an example of verbal irony if we consider that the book's hero, Don Quixote, is fundamentally incapable of distinguishing truth from fiction, and any historian of his life would have to follow a double track of reality and fantasy which continuously overlaps, tangles, and flips. One of the most basic premises of the book is that truth is more difficult to identify than it may seem. Therefore, when the narrator vows to follow the single path of truth, he is being ironic; in reality, he believes this to be impossible. 

Dramatic Irony in Othello

The device of dramatic irony is especially well-suited to the theater, which displays constantly shifting sets, scenes, and characters to a stationary audience that, therefore, often has a more complete or "omniscient" perspective compared to any of the characters. One excellent example of dramatic irony can be found in Shakespeare's  Othello . 

Through the play, the audience watches as Iago plots against his commander Othello, and seeks to make Othello believe that his wife Desdemona has been unfaithful to him. The audience watches as Iago plots to himself and with others. Sometimes Iago even directly reveals his plans to the audience. Meanwhile, Othello continues to trust Iago, and the audience watches as the the plan they know that Iago is pursuing slowly plays out just as he intended, and Othello eventually murders the entirely innocent Desdemona. The way that the play makes the audience aware of Iago's plot, even as Othello is not, means that the play is full of dramatic irony almost for its entire length. 

Situational Irony in The Producers

In this classic film, two friends come up with a complicated money-making scheme in which they put on a play that they think is absolutely certain to fail. Their plan backfires when the play, entitled "Springtime for Hitler," is so shockingly bad that people think it's a comedy and come to see it in droves. This is an example of situational irony because the outcome is the exact opposite of what the play's producers expected.

Why Do Writers Use Irony?

Irony is a tool that can be used for many different purposes. Though sarcasm and satire are two ways of using irony that are primarily negative and critical, ironic statements can also underscore the fragility, complexity, and beauty of human experience.

• Situational irony often demonstrates how human beings are always at the mercy of an unpredictable universe—and that life can always take an unexpected turn.
• Dramatic irony emphasizes that human knowledge is always partial and often incorrect, while giving the reader or viewer the satisfaction of a more complete understanding than that of the characters.
• In dialogue, verbal irony can display one character's sparkling wit, and another character's thickheadedness. Verbal irony can also create a connection between people who  get  the irony, excluding those who don't.

Ultimately, irony is used to create meaning—whether it's humorous or profound—out of the gap between the way things appear and how they actually are.

Other Helpful Irony Resources

• The Wikipedia page on irony : A helpful overview.
• The dictionary definition of irony : A basic definition, with a bit on the etymology.
• The comedian George Carlin explaining the difference  between situational irony and mere coincidence.
• A site with a helpful index of examples of different types of irony in television, film, video games, and other media.

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Understanding the 3 Types of Irony

General Education

Irony is one of the great forces of language and literature. Irony calls on us to use our wit and instinctual understanding of right and wrong, and often requires that we see humor where there is none. Some say that irony is as old as literature itself, and they may be right— in the human condition, we have always sought to find meaning in paradoxes. Since irony is so ubiquitous, it’s important to understand the different types of irony, and how or when they’re used. You'll be able to identify the different types, and call out the right and wrong ways to use them.

What Is Irony?

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 states to contrary to what is meant, but in a way that still makes the actual meaning understood.

Many people use sarcasm in their everyday interactions, which is one form of verbal irony. For example, when discussing an upcoming dentist appointment, you might say in an overly excited voice, “I can’t wait!” This is one type of irony (we’ll get to the types soon!) and shows that irony is deeply ingrained into the way we communicate.

If you’re not a naturally ironic person, you may be wondering why writers use irony in novels. Wouldn’t it just make more sense to say what they mean? While you’re not wrong, using all types of irony can help create suspense, invoke particular emotions, or inform our opinion of a character and their motivations . When we discuss the types of irony, we’ll go more in depth as to how and why a writer might use irony, and what they hope to achieve.

The 3 Types of Irony

Situational irony.

Situational irony is when the outcome of a situation is different than our expectations. Situational irony can be used to create drama, to drive home to realities of a tragedy, or to create humor. You'll find situational irony often in books and plays, as well as movies and TV. This type of irony helps us and the character make sense of their reality, and weaves together humor and tragedy.

Here are some examples of situational irony

General: A friend posts on social media about how social media is killing society and we all need to interact in person

Humor: A thief on the run gets into a getaway car but it's out of gas

Tragic: In Guy de Maupassant's short story The Necklace , Mathilda borrows a necklace from a wealthy friend and loses it. She and her husband go into crippling debt and wind up in poverty to replace the necklace, only to find out years later that the original necklace was a fake to begin with.

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is a device employed by storytellers wherein the audience is aware of what’s going on, but the characters are not . Dramatic irony includes three phases: Installation , when the audience is informed of something the character does not know. Exploitation , using the information to develop curiosity and an emotional response from the audience. Resolution , what happens after the character finds out the information.

Romeo and Juliet's death scene is a great example of dramatic irony. We the audience/reader know that Juliet is drugged to fake her own death, but Romeo does not. So, we watch Romeo commit suicide, knowing that Juliet is alive, and that he too would know the truth if he'd waited. In this example, the installation is earlier in the play, when we learn of Juliet's plan, aware that Romeo does not know. Exploitation is when we watch their death scenes unfold. And the resolution is the end of the play, when the families find out what happened and finally end their feud. 

Another well-known example is the story of Oedipus Rex. Dramatic irony was first invented for us in Greek dramas. So while most of us modern readers know the story mainly through the play, ancient Greek play-goers would have been well-informed on the story of Oedipus before going into the play. The Greek audience was able to watch the story unfold with this knowledge already in mind, even though the main character, Oedipus, is unaware. This creates dramatic tension throughout the story and adds a new emotional layer to this classic myth.

Verbal Irony

As we discussed, verbal irony is an important tool in speech. Verbal irony is also an important tool in writing. Verbal irony occurs when a person of character says one thing but means another .

I mentioned above that sarcasm is one form of verbal irony. But remember, the definitions of sarcasm and verbal irony are not interchangeable, and sarcasm is only one form of verbal irony. Sarcasm is generally a little harsher than overall verbal irony, and verbal irony can also include double entendre, over- or under-exaggeration, and rhetorical questions .

Writers may use verbal irony to prove a point, or to help us better understand a situation or character. If a character uses verbal irony, that irony may be in reference to the plot, but also may be in reference to the character's own emotions . Verbal irony, can give us insight into a character’s true state, and challenge us to look deeper into that character’s motivations.

Verbal irony can also be used in a more general sense to bring humor to the novel, play, movie, etc. Verbal irony also helps us develop analytical skills, since it requires us as readers to pay attention to the nuances of dialogue and language .

Satire is one example of verbal irony that carries throughout an entire text.

There are actually quite a few instances of verbal irony in the Harry Potter series. In The Order of the Phoenix , Aunt Petunia asks Harry why he keeps watching the news. He replies, “Well, it changes every day, you see.” Though Harry is offering a truthful response on the surface, as readers we can tell that his answer is contemptuous, and his meaning (to point out how silly Aunt Petunia’s inquiry is) contradicts with the actual words he speaks. If read in the right tone, this conversation definitely will at least get a giggle.

As we discussed, over exaggeration is one form of verbal irony we also use commonly. If someone laughs at a joke and says “I laughed so hard I almost exploded!” This is over exaggeration and one form of verbal irony, since clearly, the person didn’t almost explode from laughter, and the statement contradicts with reality.

How to Tell the Different Types of Irony Apart

Remember, writers use irony to make a point about the distinction between appearance and reality. Usually, use of irony is also meant to drive home a point about the theme or symbolism. To gain a full understanding of the text and the purpose of using irony, you have to know the type of irony being used.

Identifying Situational Irony

Situational irony can be a little harder to identify. Chances are, you've read or witnessed situational irony and had a reaction without thinking to yourself, "hey, this is situational irony." Situational irony can be funny, sad, or everything in between. Here are some important questions to ask yourself:

Does the outcome of the situation differ from your expectations?

Are both you and characters aware that the outcome is different than the expectations?

Does the difference in expectations versus reality elicit a funny, tragic, or otherwise emotional response?

The famous car sing-along song, Ironic by Alanis Morissette, is filled with situational irony; we know it's situational because each lyric explains an event, and an outcome that differs from our expectations. It is not verbal because no one is speaking, and not dramatic because the audience i.e. the listener, knows the same amount of information as the "characters" in the song. The lyric "He won the lottery and died the next day," for example clearly is a case of situational irony.

Identifying Dramatic Irony

The most important element of dramatic irony is that the audience knows something that the characters do not. Because we're usually aware as an audience what the characters do or do not know, dramatic irony should be relatively easy to identify.

When identifying dramatic irony, we have to ask ourselves: does it follow the trajectory of dramatic irony: Installation, exploitation, and resolution? Does the gap in knowledge between the audience and the characters increase or create tension? If the answer is yes, you're probably looking at dramatic irony.

Identifying Verbal Irony

One key part of verbal irony is that it is spoken out loud by a character. Since we use verbal irony so often in our speech, this type of irony may be immediately clear to you. However, nuances of speech are much harder to get across on paper, so you can ask yourself a few questions to help figure out the context, and confirm whether or not verbal irony is being used.

Read the scene carefully. Remember that verbal irony can have many tones! It can be playful, contemptuous, snarky, etc. So if you think characters are using verbal irony, you can ask yourself the following:

What else is going on in the scene? Is there a reason a character would be utilizing verbal irony? Do they have a point to prove?

What is the relationship between the character speaking and the character(s) being spoken to? Would the speaking character need to use verbal irony to get a point across?

Now that you've mastered irony in all its forms, take care not to overuse it. Ironically, irony can often be overused and overwrought. But definitely do use these tips to identify all three types of irony to better understand your test questions or reading materials. Authors employ all types of irony in their work, and it's an important part of finding meaning in books as well as in everyday life.

What's Next?

Irony isn't the only thing you need to know. Check out the 31 Literary Devices You Must Know and expand your knowledge of the Most Useful Rhetorical Devices while you're at it.

Getting ready for your AP tests? Make sure to check out our Expert Guides to the AP Literature and the AP Language and Composition tests.

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• What Is Irony? | Examples, Types & Definition

What Is Irony? | Examples, Types & Definition

Published on June 20, 2024 by Magedah Shabo .

Irony occurs when events or words are the opposite of what is expected, creating a sense of surprise, humor , or deeper meaning in literature, rhetoric, and everyday situations.

Table of contents

What is irony, 3 types of irony, irony vs sarcasm, frequently asked questions about irony.

Irony involves a clear contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually happens or is expressed. It reveals unexpected outcomes or contradictions that challenge conventional expectations, prompting deeper thought and emotional responses.

As a rhetorical and literary device, irony plays an essential role in enriching narratives, conveying complex ideas, and engaging audiences by adding layers of meaning and nuance to communication and storytelling.

There are three common types of irony:

Situational irony

Verbal irony, dramatic irony.

Situational irony occurs when events starkly contrast with expectations. As a literary plot device, it is often used to emphasize the difference between appearance and reality, surprising the audience and creating memorable plot twists.

The effects of situational irony include provoking thought and evoking a range of emotions, from humor to tragedy. Situational irony can occur in literature, film, and theater to engage audiences and enhance storytelling.

Verbal irony occurs when someone says something dramatically different from what they mean. As a literary and rhetorical device, it is used to convey sarcasm, humor, or criticism by contrasting the literal meaning of the words with the intended message.

The effects of verbal irony include adding layers of meaning, provoking thought, and evoking a range of emotions from amusement to disdain. Verbal irony is commonly found in literature, everyday conversation, and speeches to engage audiences and enhance communication.

Dramatic irony is a plot device that involves revealing information to the audience that some or all of the characters do not know. This technique can create humor, suspense, or emotional impact.

In tragedy, dramatic irony is also called “tragic irony,” and it serves to heighten emotions such as fear, sympathy, or a sense of impending doom. In comedy, dramatic irony often involves humorous misunderstandings.

Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality. It can be situational, dramatic, or verbal.

Sarcasm is a specific type of verbal irony that conveys mockery or disdain by saying the opposite of what one means.

While irony is a technique used in satire, satire is a broad genre that aims to provoke thought and promote change.

• Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality, highlighting discrepancies through situational irony, verbal irony , or dramatic irony.
• Satire uses humor , irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws or vices of individuals, societies, or institutions. It aims to provoke thought and promote change.

An example of irony in literature is in O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” where Jim and Della each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other: Della sells her hair for a chain, and Jim sells his watch for combs.

The situational irony lies in the fact that Jim and Della’s well-intentioned sacrifices make their gifts useless. This irony highlights the idea that the true value of gifts lies in the love and sacrifice they represent.

Socratic irony is the technique of posing simple questions, as if one were ignorant, to expose the ignorance or flaws in others’ arguments. The irony lies in the fact that by feigning ignorance, you can lead people to reveal their own misunderstandings or contradictions, encouraging deeper reflection and critical thinking. This method is a key part of the Socratic method of teaching and dialogue.

Example : In Plato’s dialogues, Socrates questions Euthyphro about the nature of piety. Socrates pretends not to understand what piety is and asks Euthyphro to explain it. Through a series of questions, Socrates exposes the inconsistencies in Euthyphro’s definitions, showing that Euthyphro does not actually understand the concept as well as he claims.

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Definition of Irony

Common examples of irony, verbal irony, situational irony, examples of irony in plot, real life examples of irony, difference between verbal irony, dramatic irony, and situational irony, writing irony, plot device, method of reveal, difference between irony and sarcasm, use of irony in sentences, examples of irony in literature, example 1:  the necklace (guy de maupassant).

“You say that you bought a necklace of diamonds to replace mine?” “Yes. You never noticed it, then! They were very like.” And she smiled with a joy which was proud and naïve at once. Mme. Forestier, strongly moved, took her two hands. “Oh, my poor Mathilde! Why, my necklace was paste. It was worth at most five hundred francs!”

Example 2:  Not Waving but Drowning  (Stevie Smith)

Nobody heard him, the dead man, But still he lay moaning: I was much further out than you thought And not waving but drowning .

Example 3:  A Modest Proposal (Jonathan Swift)

A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends; and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter .

Example 4: 1984 by George Orwell

War is Peace ; Freedom is Slavery and Ignorance is Strength .

Synonyms of Irony

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The Three Types of Irony & More!

Learn about the three types of irony and beyond! Discover examples for each of the three types of irony, and other forms of irony.

What is irony? It’s the first day of Spring, and you grab your sunglasses, shorts, sandals, and a picnic basket. Except as soon as you step out of your house, you realize it’s snowing. That’s irony. It’s situational irony, one of the three types of irony. Today, we’re going to define irony, talk about the three types of irony (plus a few extras), and look at some examples of irony. 

Let’s get started with a deceptively simple question:

What is Irony? 

Irony is when you expect one thing, but you get the exact opposite…

Irony is when you expect one thing, but you get the exact opposite of that thing in reality. In writing, irony is a literary device, a tool that writers use to create conflict. Writers create conflict, through irony, by highlighting the difference between expectation and reality. 

Irony is an underrated literary device because it’s incredibly useful. Irony can inject comedy, tragedy, or increasing tension into any scene. The effect of irony depends on the type a writer uses, and there are many, many types of irony. However, there are three major types of irony which are: 

Dramatic Irony 

Verbal Irony 

Situational Irony 

Scroll down to read more about those types of irony. 

What irony is not: 

Irony is often mistaken with things like bad luck or coincidence. If I plan a picnic and there is a torrential downpour the day of my picnic, that’s not ironic; that sucks for me. Now, if I plan a picnic for the first day of Spring and I discover it’s snowing, that would be ironic. The first day of Spring is expected to be bright and sunny, and a snowstorm would be the opposite of that expectation. 

Sarcasm is ironic, but it’s in its own category. When you use sarcasm, you say the opposite of what you mean, but sarcasm is specifically used to mock or attack. 

And, finally, we have the following three items that fall into a kind of an irony grey area: 

• Rain on your wedding day.
• A free ride when you’ve already paid. 
• And the good advice that you just didn’t take. 

None of these instances fall under the strict definition of irony- expecting one thing and getting the opposite. BUT, Alanis Morisette says these things are ironic. Who are we to argue with her? 

The Three Types of Irony 

What is dramatic irony .

Dramatic irony is when the reader or audience of a fictional story knows something that the characters don’t. This type of irony only exists in fictional stories for obvious reasons. But, writers use dramatic irony all the time because it’s so valuable. 

Dramatic irony can create tension in a scene. Think of the last time you saw a horror movie where the protagonist was about to enter a room, and the film shows you that the killer is in that room. Because you know something the character doesn’t, you are instantly worried about that character. You want to yell, “STOP, DON’T GO IN THERE!” 

Consequently, dramatic irony is one of the leading causes of movie-goers kicked out of theaters. 

But dramatic irony isn’t just for thriller movies because writers use this irony for humor too. It’s a classic sitcom scenario. Maybe a man overhears his wife talking about her friend’s pregnancy but misses the context and assumes his wife is the one who’s pregnant. Hilarity ensues. 

What is Verbal Irony? 

Verbal irony is when a speaker says something different from what they mean. The reality of the situation often contrasts with or is the opposite of what the speaker is saying. If we’re in the middle of a hurricane, and I look out the window and say, “my, what lovely weather we’re having.” That’s an example of verbal irony. 

Verbal irony is different from lying because the speaker expects the listener to understand they do not mean what they say. In everyday life, people use verbal irony as a form of humor usually. 

In literature, verbal irony is a way to add depth or subtext to dialogue. It is often dull for audiences to have characters say exactly what they mean. To make things interesting, writers will have characters say something different than what they mean. Still, with context, the audience will know what the character means. 

A word on Sarcasm

Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony, but not all verbal irony is sarcastic. We only call verbal irony sarcastic if it has a cutting or insulting tone. So, all sarcasm is verbal irony, but not all verbal irony is sarcasm. 

Verbal Irony: Overstatement and Understatement

When you are overstating or understating a situation, you are using verbal irony. 

Overstatement  

If you found a quarter on the street, picked it up, and said, “guess I’ll retire early,” you’re overstating the situation because a quarter is not enough money to retire off of. 

Understatement

If you found a suitcase full of hundred dollar bills and said, “this should be enough for the weekend,” you’re using understatement. Obviously, that’s enough money to get you through a couple of days. 

Stable vs. Unstable Irony

Stable and unstable irony are two forms of verbal irony. 

Stable irony is when the speaker’s alternate meaning is clear to their audience. In other words, if it’s nasty weather and someone says, “what a beautiful day we’re having.” you know they mean the opposite. 

Unstable irony is when a speaker makes an ironic statement. But, the audience is not able to determine the speaker’s true meaning. With unstable irony, the audience knows what the speaker is saying is untrue. However, they don’t have enough context to infer the speaker’s true meaning. 

What is Situational Irony?  

Situational irony is when an event or outcome takes place that is the opposite of what a person expected. Situational irony often happens in reality, and a good example comes from Ray Bradbury’s novel Fahrenheit 451. 

Fahrenheit 451 is a novel about burning books, and one of its central themes is censorship. Almost immediately after it was published, parents sought to ban Bradbury’s work from school curriculums. One mother complained that Bradbury used the lord’s name in vain throughout the text. So, a text about censorship that falls victim to undue censorship would be an example of situational irony. 

Beyond the Three Types of Irony

What is comedic irony .

Comedic irony is when a writer uses any of the three forms of irony for a humorous effect. People often use sarcasm for a laugh, and so it can be considered comedic irony. In an article for Infobloom, writer J.E. Holloway highlights one of my favorite uses of comedic irony. 

Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice opens with the line, “it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Holloway points out that this statement is ironic because it is the women in the novel concerned with finding a husband. 

Read the rest of Holloway’s article here. 

You can also read more about the theme of Pride and Prejudice here.  

What is Tragic Irony? 

Tragic irony is a form of dramatic irony in which the reader knows something terrible will happen, but the characters don’t know. The writer infers that something terrible is going to happen before the tragedy occurs. This form of irony is tragic because the reader, or audience, can do nothing to stop the characters from rushing headlong into their doom. 

Shakespeare uses tragic irony to significant effect in the prologue of Romeo & Juliet when the text tells you the two teenagers will be dead by the end of the play. As the play’s events unfold, the audience is aware that our two protagonists are heading toward an untimely demise. 

What is Socratic Irony?

Socratic irony is an argumentative technique where the speaker pretends dumb about a subject. The speaker asks their opponent questions that they know the answers to to get the other person to reveal their ignorance. 

Ok, there’s a scene from Star Trek: The Next Generation. A group of cadets attempts a dangerous flight stunt, fail, and one of them dies. The other cadets try to cover up the accident by blaming it on a mistake by the dead cadet. Picard, the show’s protagonist, discovers the truth and uses Socratic irony against one of the cadets in the following scene:

Oh, and if you’re not a Star Trek fan, there was that one time on The Office when Michael Scott used Socratic questioning on Dwight: 

What is Cosmic Irony? 

Cosmic irony describes when a higher power, fate, God, or the universe, intervenes to subvert expectations. Some people call cosmic irony the irony of fate. An example of this type of irony comes from the movie Pulp Fiction . 

Two hitmen, Jules and Vincent, are surprised when their target comes out of hiding and fires several bullets directly at them. Every bullet misses even though the shooter is only a few feet from Jules and Vincent. Vincent dismisses this as dumb luck, but Jules firmly believes that God stopped the bullets. 

The text implies that Jules was right about this divine intervention because Vincent is later killed after Jules walks away from their violent partnership. 

Read more about Pulp Fiction in my post about Non-Linear Narratives.   

Practice: Types of Irony Quizlet

Examples of the three types of irony, example of dramatic irony .

We have a fantastic example of dramatic irony in the third act of the film Silence of the Lambs. Clarice Starling, our protagonist, follows a lead to a house in Ohio. The audience knows that the man who owns this house is Buffalo Bill, the killer Clarice has been tracking. However, Clarice thinks she’s talking to an ordinary, maybe peculiar, homeowner. 

Clarice begins to interview the man. The tension builds as she slowly realizes that she is face to face with a serial killer. Because the audience knows that the man is Buffalo Bill, we are terrified for Clarice’s safety. Will she catch Buffalo Bill or become his next victim? 

Example of Verbal Irony

An example of this would be when Han Solo is about to be frozen in carbonite. Princess Leia tells Han, “I love you,” Han replies, “I know.” The audience knows that Han means, “I love you too,” but it’s more in character for Han to give a sarcastic, cocky response. 

Leia repays Han for his ironic response in the next movie, Return of the Jedi. The couple is cornered by a stormtrooper when Leia reveals she has a blaster hidden beneath her tunic. Han says, “I love you,” and Leia replies, “I know.” How’s it feel, Han?! 

Example of Situational Irony

Gone Girl, both the book and the film, has one of the most extraordinary twists of all time. That twist is also a fantastic example of situational irony. During the first act of the movie, the audience is presented with a situation. A woman, Amy, is missing, likely murdered. There is a poorly cleaned crime scene in her home, police her blood in the kitchen, and all signs point to her husband, Nick, as the murderer. Her journal reveals a very abusive marriage, there is a comprehensive life insurance policy, and she was unexpectedly pregnant. 

It’s painfully apparent that Nick murdered his wife. The only question is, what did he do with her body? Except… 

Record scratch!

At the midpoint, the film’s POV character shifts to Amy. She’s alive and well, and she has framed her husband for her murder. I don’t know if you saw this coming, but I literally threw the book across the room. 

Why Use the Three types of Irony? 

To create a plot twist. 

Because if you do it well enough, it will shock your reader in a good way and make them throw your book across the room. Situational irony is the perfect tool for setting up your readers’ expectations, then shocking them with something they didn’t expect. 

At first, Gone Girl is the story of a murdered wife. We think Amy is undoubtedly dead, and the only question is who killed her. So many clues point to Nick, but a savvy reader knows that this is probably a misdirect, and they’re looking for clues to who the real killer is. When we get the truth- that Amy is not a victim but a tormenter, it’s the opposite of what anyone expected. 

The story’s plot twist completely subverts your expectations, and it’s what makes Gone Girl an iconic novel. 

Read more about plot twists here. 

To develop tension

Like what we see at the climax of Silence of the Lambs , dramatic irony creates worry in the mind of your readers. If you’ve given your reader a likable, relatable protagonist, they will want that hero to succeed. Then, when you put that character in danger, show the reader the threat but keep it hidden from the character; your readers will not be able to put the story down. 

To insert humor 

Finally, using verbal irony like sarcasm is a simple way to insert a little humor into your story. Use irony, or ironic statements, to give your characters a little personality, maybe a little acerbic bite.

Pin the Three Types of Irony!

Continued reading on irony:

The Final Irony- The Guardian

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Three Types of Irony

Do you want your students to understand the 3 different types of irony in literature?

Do you want your students to be able to identify and explain irony on their own?

Do you want them to actually enjoy learning about irony?

Then you have come to the right place! Here at Storyboard That, we have developed storyboards, lessons and activities to help you teach the three types of irony and definitions for each. If you really want your students to learn the concept, check out the activities below that will get them creating their own scenarios or finding examples from your current novel study or unit!

Irony Definition

What is irony.

Most students may not know the definition of irony but they might say they know it when they see it! More than likely your students can provide different types of irony examples without realizing it whether it be plot twists or sarcasm. Merriam Webster says the definition of irony in literature is the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning . Within literature, there are different kinds of irony.

What are the types of irony? There are many ways for authors to include irony in their stories. The distance between what a character says and what they actually mean is the essence of a good irony definition. Literature works often include instances where the author reveals something that is the opposite of what is expected. Or, there could be a difference between a character's understanding of a situation vs. the reality of what it actually is. In short, there are examples of verbal , situational and dramatic irony that occur throughout most literary works!

Sarcastic and ironic expressions are not confined to literature. Everyday life is rife with instances that, when observed with a keen eye, can create humor in the mundane and add a touch of amusement to our daily routines.

Irony is a literary device where the chosen words are intentionally used to indicate a meaning other than the literal one. Irony is often mistaken for sarcasm. Sarcasm is actually a form of verbal irony , but sarcasm is usually intentionally insulting. When you say, "Oh, great!" after your drink has spilled all over your expensive new clothes, you don't actually mean that the incident is positive. This type of direct irony is characterized by a clear and intentional expression of the opposite of what is truly meant or felt, leaving little room for misinterpretation and often used for humorous or satirical effect. Here, using the word 'great' ironically indicates a higher negative implication, even though the wording itself is positive. However, the definition in literature is far more expansive! There are many more examples that define or exhibit ironic expressions in literature than just sarcasm. Read on to learn more about the different types of irony.

What are the Three Types of Irony?

In literature, there are three different types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic irony . The sub-set of this literary type can vary within literature and there can be examples of more than one within a given work. Teachers can hold class discussions to point out instances of the three types, or elements of irony within a given novel study. Students can create storyboards to track examples and include definitions and text evidence to demonstrate their understanding of this crucial literary technique.

What are the 3 Types of Irony and their Definitions?

More about the Three Types of Irony Definitions

Verbal irony.

Verbal irony examples occur when a character says one thing but actually means the opposite. The definition of verbal irony is when the character intends a meaning that is in contrast with the literal or usual meaning of the words. Verbal irony occurs often in the form of sarcasm or dry humor. However, it can also be more subtle and foreboding as the example below will showcase from "The Cask of Amontillado" . Many students are well versed in verbal irony whether they know it or not! They may often say one thing and mean the exact opposite: "We have homework tonight? Yay!".

Another great example of verbal irony to share with your students is if someone is looking out the window at gloomy, rainy weather and they exclaim "What a beautiful day!" or, if you are always late to class but tell your friends that you are going to "surely win the school award for punctuality". These are clear examples of the intended meaning being the opposite of the usual meaning of the phrase. Students are certain to find examples of verbal irony throughout their day. An engaging introduction to irony is to have your students come up with verbal irony examples sentences as a bell ringer. They can use Storyboard That to create a visual to go along with the written example. Chances are they have already heard or said something ironic that day!

Verbal irony has been used skillfully by many writers throughout history. One of the most famous examples is Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal" (1729). In this classic work of satire, Swift uses verbal irony to make the reader believe that his "modest proposal" to eradicate poverty in Ireland is a sound argument. In reality it is sickening and outrageous, but Swift achieves his goal of pointing out the callous exploitation of the poor in Ireland by the rich elites and landowners

Within the main category of verbal irony are subcategories: sarcasm, understatement, overstatement and Socratic irony ; named for the famous ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates. Socratic irony is when a character will engage in feigned ignorance while asking a question, intending to prompt the person answering to expose their own ignorance. The technique whereby a character feigns ignorance is often employed by skillful lawyers in a courtroom drama. Socrates himself used this technique or the socratic method to teach his students, stimulate critical thinking and lead them to a deeper understanding.

Situational Irony

Situational irony examples occur when the opposite of what the reader expects, happens in the story. Verbal irony refers to a character's words. However, situational irony occurs when the situation is in contrast to what is expected. Popular examples to share with students of situational irony are: if a marriage counselor got divorced, if a fire station burned down, if a police station got robbed or if you fell asleep while reading a book about insomnia! All of these are examples where you would expect one thing in the situation but the opposite happens. An easy example of situational irony in literature to point out to students is at the end of the Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy wakes up and realizes it was all a dream! Situational irony in literature provides the reader with a surprising twist and can help to deepen understanding of characters or themes. Situational irony usually shows the reader that not everything is what it seems: appearances do not always match reality.

Within the main category of situational irony are subcategories. One subcategory is cosmic irony : in which there is a supernatural element such as a higher power such as God, fate or the Universe that creates the irony in the situation. Poetic irony , also known as poetic justice, is a type of situational irony where ultimately a situation causes the righteous or virtuous character to be rewarded and their enemies punished. Historical irony is another subcategory of situational irony in which the outcome of an event is the opposite from what was intended. In this case, hindsight allows the character or reader perspective to view the historical event as ironic as its result was one that was never expected. A skilled writer will deftly weave relevant elements into their story, yielding a rich tapestry of humor and surprise that has a lasting comic effect on readers.

• "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry
• "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant
• Antigone by Sophocles
• "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell
• "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin

Dramatic Irony

The meaning of dramatic irony is similar to situational irony. However, with dramatic irony, the audience or reader knows something that the main or other characters do not. In the realm of Greek tragedy, dramatic irony frequently plays a central role. The fact that the reader is aware of something that the character isn't creates drama, tension and suspense as you root for the character to "figure it out." In the cases of dramatic irony, the story may turn out well in the end. A subset of dramatic irony is tragic irony. As the name implies, this is a case where all does not end well. The audience is still privy to more information than the character and are aware that the character's lack of information is what will lead to the tragic end. In many classic works of literature, the honorable man's tragic downfall due to dramatic irony serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent complexities within the human condition.

Dramatic Irony vs Situational Irony

Students can get confused about the difference between dramatic irony and situational irony. The main cue for students to look for is what does the audience know ? Are we made aware of what is unfolding? Does the author intend for the reader to know that there is a contrast between what the character believes and what the reality is? If so, then it is a dramatic irony example. Similarly, if we are uncovering this contrast along with the character, as in a major plot twist that catches us off guard, then it is situational irony.

Irony in Literature: Classroom Applications and Uses

What is irony in literature how to assess student understanding.

• Students identify types of irony in literature by using a character likeness on their storyboard.
• Students create storyboards that show and explain each type of irony as found in the work of literature; using specific quotes from the text which highlight the irony.
• Students create a storyboard about something ironic in their own life.

Teachers can customize the level of detail and number of cells required for assignments based on available class time and resources.

Irony Examples From Literary Classics

Verbal irony in "the cask of amontillado".

There are many examples of verbal irony in great works of literature. A prime example of verbal irony in "The Cask of Amontillado" is when an unsuspecting Fortunato is being led to his death by his former acquaintance, Montresor. As Montresor lures him into the catacombs, he questions Fortunato about his well-being. Montresor notices Fortunato has a cough, which is growing more severe the further down the catacombs they travel. He asks if Fortunato would like to turn back. Fortunato replies, “I shall not die of a cough.” Montresor knowingly replies, “True – true.” The audience waits and finds out at the end that this was in fact use of verbal irony. Montresor appeared to mean that the cough was harmless, but what he was also saying was that he planned to kill Fortunato.

Situational Irony in Great Expectations

In Great Expectations , another great example of irony in literature, Pip and the audience both do not know who his benefactor is. Throughout the novel the reader is led to believe that the benefactor is indeed the rich Miss Havisham. Through her actions and the coincidences of Pip residing and being tutored by the Pockets, her cousins, the reader expects it to be her. Eventually, Magwich, the convict Pip showed kindness to at a young age, is revealed to be Pip's true benefactor. This revelation clashes with the expectations of Pip and the audience, generating situational irony.

Dramatic Irony in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

Tragic irony, a form of dramatic irony, occurs in Romeo and Juliet , when Juliet is forced to take a sleeping potion to escape marrying Paris. She must do this because she is already married to the banished Romeo. When Romeo hears she is dead, the audience knows she is alive. He then kills himself and as Juliet wakes, she sees him dead and takes her life as well. The audience knows it all could have been prevented if the Friar's letter had gotten to Romeo, making the tale all the more tragic.

More Examples of Irony in Literature

There are many examples of irony in stories whether they be classic or modern, books or movies. Below is a storyboard of examples of irony in the popular stories, "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs , "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry , The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood , and "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson .

The "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs is a classic example of using irony as a crucial literary device. Each of the wishes made by the people possessing the monkey's paw turn out to have unexpected or ironic outcomes.

Irony occurs in "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry as the reader watches Della and Jim sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy eachother the perfect gifts only to render those very gifts useless.

There are many examples of irony to unpack in The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood . The setting alone in a dystopian world where the Gilead Republic, a totalitarian patriarchal theocracy, restricts freedom and reproductive rights making their citizens miserable all in the name of creating a "perfect society" is the ultimate irony.

The "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson is a short story that was so shocking it was controversial when it was first released in 1948. The entire plot is filled with irony as the expected outcome of a lottery is to win a coveted prize. However, the result of this lottery was much more sinister.

Examples of Irony in Poetry

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a novel written in verse which offers students many examples of irony in poetry. Xiomara's mother is devoutly Christian and raises her daughter in the church. However, a religion that is based on peace is used as a weapon by her mother. The situational irony of her mother's harsh punishments and abuse contrast with the idea that Christianity is based on love and understanding. Even Xiomara's name is an example of irony within the story. Her name means "ready for battle". Xiomara says that her mother, "Gave me this gift of battle and now curses how well I live up to it". It is ironic that her name given with love by her mother is also an example of Xiomara's rebellion against her mother.

Other works of poetry that have examples of ironic situations and irony examples figures of speech are:

• "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou
• Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
• "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman

Related Activities

Relating to the Common Core

Ela common core standards for grades 9-12.

• ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4 : Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone)
• ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.5 : Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise
• ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.6 : Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature
• ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.4 : Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)
• ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.5 : Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact

Irony Rubric for Classroom Exercises

Related Resources

• Picture Encyclopedia of Literary Elements
• The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Teacher Guide
• The Cask of Amontillado Teacher Guide
• Great Expectations Teacher Guide
• "The Lottery" Teacher Guide
• "The Monkey's Paw" Teacher Guide
• "The Gift of the Magi" Teacher Guide
• The Handmaid's Tale Teacher Guide
• Picture Encyclopedia of Literary Terms: Irony

How To Use Guided Reading Strategies To Support Students In Identifying And Analyzing Irony In Texts

Pre-reading activities.

Before students start reading, you can introduce them to the concept of irony and its different types such as verbal, situational, and dramatic. You can use examples from literature, movies, or real-life situations to help students understand the different types of irony.

Introduce the Text

Provide an overview of the text and its context to students. Highlight any elements in the text that may be ironic or may lead to irony.

Set Reading Goals

Help students set goals for their reading. For example, they may focus on identifying instances of irony, analyzing how the irony contributes to the text's meaning, or identifying the type of irony used.

Scaffold the Reading

Provide support for students as they read. This may include asking questions, providing context, or modeling how to analyze irony in the text.

Discuss the Text

After students have finished reading, have a class discussion about the irony in the text. Encourage students to share their observations, and guide the discussion to help students analyze how the irony contributes to the text's meaning.

Follow-Up Activities:

Finally, you can assign follow-up activities to reinforce students' understanding of irony. For example, you can have students write about the irony in the text or identify instances of irony in other texts they read.

Frequently Asked Questions about Irony

What is irony.

Irony is a rhetorical device or figure of speech in which there is a discrepancy between what is said and what is meant, or between what happens and what is expected to happen. It often involves a contrast between appearance and reality. It adds depth and complexity to language, allowing for layers of meaning and interpretation.

What are the three types of irony?

The three types of irony are situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony. These types can vary within literature and can all be used in one novel.

What is verbal irony?

Verbal irony occurs when a person says something but means the opposite. It's a form of sarcasm or a way of expressing one's ideas in a humorous or emphatic way. For example, if it's raining heavily, and someone says, "What a beautiful day!"

What is situational irony?

Situational irony happens when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. It involves a twist of fate or a surprising turn of events. For example, a fire station burning down is an example of situational irony.

What is dramatic irony?

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader is aware of something that the characters in a story are not. It creates tension and suspense, as the audience knows more about the situation than the characters do.

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What is Irony in English Literature? Types of Irony and Examples – explanation & analysis

Irony is a word every literature student hears many times in the classroom. While reading a literary note or watching a video on YouTube, this term pops out on many occasions. Irony, we can assume, is a common term often encountered by those studying literature, English or any other language. The question of the hour for many is ‘what is irony’. All those who have come to this page looking for a definition of irony in general and its definition in the literary context, please ensure you read this page to the end. In this article, I will not only define irony in literature but also add types of irony, their examples and some popular instances in literature to make you understand everything in the best possible way.

In general terms , irony is an expression that means (generally) opposite to what it supposedly conveys. “Ah, it was an amazing day!” Imagine someone expressing this after losing his wallet in the street to a pickpocket. That’s an example of irony in expressions. The term irony, at times, also means a situation that is commonly opposite to or not exactly what someone imagined. For instance, a person spends all night thinking about ‘tomorrow’ when he finally gets to see Leo Messi playing live. However, ‘tomorrow’ the match somehow gets cancelled. That’s irony.

In a literary context, Irony is a powerful literary device that adds depth and complexity to a narrative. It involves a discrepancy (or deviation in simple terms) between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs, creating a contrast that often reveals deeper truths or critiques. The intended discrepancy can be in expressions, occurrence or in the very scheme of the work of literature (of concern). Irony, as a literary device, works on multiple levels, offering a range of effects and engaging readers in a process of interpretation and exploration.

To simplify this concept, irony can be understood as a literary tool that uses unexpected twists or contradictions to create an impact on the audience and provoke thought.

Types of Irony in literature: In literature, there are many types of irony critics have noted. However, among these types, a few can be clubbed together to create a comprehensive one. Before we discuss the major types of irony in literature, have a look at the names and brief introductions to some prominently identified ironies.

• Verbal Irony: A character says one thing but means another, mostly the opposite.
• Situational Irony: Mostly comic, and at times tragic or another kind of contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs.
• Dramatic Irony: The audience or readers understand that a character does not, leading to a difference in understanding or interpretation of events.
• Cosmic Irony: The universe seemingly conspires against the intentions of characters, resulting mostly in a bitter or cruel outcome.
• Socratic Irony: A speaker feigns ignorance or adopts a naive stance to expose the flaws or contradictions in someone else’s argument.
• Romantic Irony: A form of self-conscious irony that calls attention to the limitations and complexities of human experience and perception.
• Historical Irony: Occurs when in a work of literature, events unfold in a way that contradicts expectations based on historical context or knowledge.
• Tragic Irony: The audience or reader knows that a character’s actions or choices will lead to downfall or loss, while the character remains unaware.
• Structural Irony: The overall structure or organisation of a work creates irony, often through juxtaposition or contrasts of various kinds.

4 Major Types of Irony in Literature: A Detailed Discussion with Examples

Verbal irony: This is the form of irony frequently found in literature across genres. It occurs when a character or narrator says something but means the opposite, most of the time, or an overestimated or underestimated version of the said thing. Finding examples of verbal irony in literature is relatively easy. Just read the novels by Austen, the poems by the poets of the Neo-classical age, or the works by Jonathan Swift. In Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels,” Gulliver mockingly describes the tiny Lilliputians as a great and powerful nation. But readers can easily understand the irony peeping from the description as they are physically small and their power is laughably inadequate. Moreover, it is not only for amusement. By employing verbal irony, Swift powerfully satirises political and social institutions, offering a critique of human vanity and the follies of society. So, you can see that verbal irony may serve many purposes at the same time – extending its use beyond amusement in literature.

Situational irony: Unlike verbal irony, situational irony arises when there is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually takes place. Therefore, it is in the art of the author or the poet – how skilfully and craftily the plot accommodates such dramatic and ironic changes. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” the eponymous character Jay Gatsby throws lavish parties to attract the attention of his beloved Daisy Buchanan, only to discover that she does not attend these extravagant gatherings. And thus, we can say that by the craft of the author, this situational irony occurs in the story. Beyond being a situation that is not up to the expectations of the protagonist, the situational irony also underlines the futility of Gatsby’s efforts and the emptiness of his pursuit of the American Dream . Try finding more instances of such situational irony in the works you read.

Dramatic irony: Dramatic irony, unlike the other two forms of irony mentioned above, involves the audience as well. It occurs when the audience or reader possesses knowledge that a character does not have. This lack of information on the part of the character may lead to confused actions or misleading interpretations, creating an ironic impact on the work of literature and an effect on the audience as well. In William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the audience is aware that Juliet has taken a sleeping potion to feign death, but Romeo, upon seeing her seemingly lifeless body, believes she is truly dead. Consequently, a romantic ending turns into a tragic conclusion leaving the audience in shock. This dramatic irony intensifies the tragedy of the play, as the audience is privy to information that could alter the course of events if known by the characters.

Cosmic Irony: As the name suggests, this is a form of irony which reflects a larger sense of fate or destiny at work. With his artistic skills of weaving the plot and the storyline, the author or the poet exhibits events in a sequence that reflects more impact of the destiny of the characters rather than their actions. To give a contextual sense of it, it occurs when the universe seems to conspire against the desires or intentions of characters, often resulting in a bitter or cruel outcome. A prime example of cosmic irony can be found in Thomas Hardy’s novel “Tess of the d’Urbervilles.” Despite Tess’s undying efforts to escape her tragic past and start her life anew, she is relentlessly pursued by misfortune, ultimately leading to her tragic downfall. And that’s how an author makes the cosmos work against a character! The cosmic irony in this narrative emphasizes the cruel forces of fate that dictate Tess’s life… and Tess’s life may symbolise the trivial nature of ephemeral human life – merely puppets in the hands of fortune and powers that be!

Conclusion:

Among many literary devices that authors employ to add emotional and thoughtful dimensions to their works, irony is a major tool. Irony adds amusement, tragic consequences or just that little extra punch to the satirical impact in the arguments, situations or the overall impact of the literary work. Jane Austen is known for her illustrious use of verbal irony in her novels. Thomas Hardy’s works, in most cases, are full of instances of situational and cosmic irony. Tragedies and comedies by Shakespeare have amply exhibited dramatic irony in full force. Othello slipping into the web of doubts, Rosalind disguised herself as a man and testing the love of Orlando, the nightmare comedy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream… and so on… Irony was utilised by authors like Swift and poets like Pope to convert bitter but essential messages to the audience.

I hope I have covered enough about this topic in this article. If there is something else that you want to understand, please mention that in the comments and I will try to answer your concerns. All the best!

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Very helpful! I was looking for simple but comprehensive definition of irony in literary context. Got it here. Also the types of irony with examples. Thanks very much!

Very helpful article. I was confused about irony in literature. It helped me a lot. I have also shared this article with all my friends in the second year English literature, BA group. Keep doing this stuff guys. Your site is very simple to read and amazingly helpful.

Thanks for this amazing article… I have downloaded many pdf documents, articles and visited many websites. Even paid some money to some websites to just understand what is irony in literature. I could not. This article helped me understand the concept in no time. I knew about types and definitions of different ironies as well. Please keep doing amazing things on this website. It will help us a lot.

Wonderful article… Irony was always a complex thing for me to understand… this article helped me a lot in understanding the basics as well as the types and examples of irony of different kinds.

Very nicely explained article on irony… I was confused about socratic irony. Well this article helps understand different types of ironies in better perspectives with examples. Can you please explain socratic irony in a little more detail. Is it important in literature? Please tell. Thanks

Thank you, Sandip! We hope you enjoyed reading this article and understood the meaning of irony. We keep bringing such articles to our platform. Keep checking for more.

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20 Irony Examples: In Literature and Real Life

By Millie Dinsdale

Irony occurs when what happens is the opposite from what is expected.

Writers use irony as a literary technique to add humor, create tension, include uncertainty, or form the central plot of a story.

We will be looking at the four types of irony (three common and one uncommon) and providing examples and tips to help you identify and use them in your work.

Quick Reminder of What Irony Is

Irony examples in literature, irony examples in real life, which scenario is an example of irony.

Irony is a rhetorical device in which the appearance of something is opposite to its reality .

There are four main types of irony: verbal irony, dramatic irony, situational irony, and Socratic irony . Socratic irony is not a literary device, and therefore we will not be looking at examples, but it is worth being aware of.

• Verbal Irony is when a speaker says one thing but means something entirely different. The literal meaning is at odds with the intended meaning.
• Dramatic Irony is when the audience knows something that the characters don’t.
• Situational Irony is when what happens is the opposite of what you expect.
• Socratic Irony is when a person feigns ignorance in order to get another to admit to knowing or doing something. It is named after Socrates, the Greek philosopher, who used this technique to tease information out of his students.

Why is irony important to understand? Along with being a key rhetorical device, irony can also be very effective when used correctly in writing.

To demonstrate this fact we have selected ten examples of irony usage from popular literature. Warning: this list includes a few spoilers.

1) The main characters’ wishes in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz are a perfect example of situational irony .

The characters go on a quest to fulfill their hearts’ desires and instead of doing so they realize that they already had what they wanted all along. It is unexpected because the reader might assume that all of their desires will be gifted to the four main characters but, in the end, it’s unnecessary.

2) The conclusion between the two primary opponents in The Night Circus contains a large amount of situational irony .

The reader is led to expect that either Marco or Celia will win but, in the end, they both end up working together to keep their creation alive. The competition is not as black and white (pardon the pun) as it initially seems.

3) The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is full of verbal irony . A great example of this is when Dr Jekyll says “I am quite sure of him,” when referring to Mr Hyde.

This is verbal irony because the reader finds out that Hyde is actually Jekyll’s alter ego, so it would be expected that he knows himself well.

4) Shakespeare creates dramatic irony in the prologue of Romeo and Juliet through the line: “A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life.”

This well-known example is ironic because the reader knows from the very beginning that their romance will end in death, but they don’t yet know how.

5) Alice’s changing relationship with the Bandersnatch in Alice in Wonderland is situationally ironic .

When we first meet the Bandersnatch, he is ferocious and attempts to harm Alice. When Alice returns his eye, they become friends and the two work together to defeat the Jabberwocky. The audience expects to see an enemy but are instead presented with an ally.

6) George Orwell masters situational irony in Animal Farm through the animals’ endless and fruitless battle to obtain freedom.

All of the animals work together to escape the tyranny of the humans who own them. In doing so they end up under the even stricter rule of the pigs.

7) Roald Dahl’s short story A Lamb to a Slaughter is full of dramatic irony .

A housewife kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb when he asks for a divorce. The police come looking for evidence and unknowingly dispose of it when they are fed the murder weapon for dinner.

8) The repeated line “May the odds be ever in your favor” in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is verbally ironic .

Everyone from district 1 through 12 can be offered as a child sacrifice and has a 1/24 chance of surviving. Even if they do survive they are then delivered back under the control of the Capitol, so the odds are in nobody’s favor.

9) The disparity between children and adults in Roald Dahl’s Matilda is situationally ironic .

Most of the adults in Matilda’s life are hot-headed, uneducated, and unreasonable, while she as a six-year old is more mature than most of them. The traditional roles of child and adult are unexpectedly flipped on their heads.

10) The hit-and-run in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is situationally ironic .

Daisy Buchanan kills Myrtle when Myrtle runs in front of Gatsby’s car. It is ironic because Myrtle is Tom Buchanan’s mistress but Daisy does not know this. She unintentionally killed her husband's mistress.

Irony works so well in literature because it is so common in real life. Have you ever found yourself saying “well that’s ironic” to a situation in your life?

You could be talking about verbal, situational, or dramatic irony. Let’s take a look at a few everyday examples of each type.

11) When you find out that your pulmonologist (lung doctor) smokes.

This is situationally ironic because you’d expect this doctor of all people to avoid smoking because they understand all of the risks.

12) When someone falls over for the tenth time while ice-skating and says “I meant to do that.”

This person cannot be intending to fall over all the time but they are using verbal irony to make light of a possibly painful situation.

13) Your dog eats his certificate of dog-training obedience.

You would expect that in the process of having obtained an obedience certificate, the dog would also have learnt not to eat random objects. This is an example of situational irony .

14) The fire hydrant is on fire.

This is situationally ironic because the last thing that you would expect to be on fire is the object that is designed to fight fires. A similar example to this would be if a fire station were on fire.

15) A girl is teasing her friend for having mud on his face but she doesn’t know that she also has mud on her face.

From the point of view of the friend, this is an example of dramatic irony because he knows something that she does not.

16) Your mom buys a non-stick pan but has to throw it away because the label is so sticky she cannot get it off.

You would predict that the pan was completely non-stick but are proven wrong at the first hurdle, which is situationally ironic .

17) When someone crashes into a “thank you for driving carefully'' sign.

The vision of a car crashed into the sign makes it clear that they did not drive carefully at all, which is situationally ironic .

18) Buying your English teacher a mug that reads “your the best teacher ever.”

The poor English teacher may feel like they have failed in their job in this situationally ironic situation where their student has bought them a mug with a grammar mistake.

19) When a child says “I want crisps now!” and the parent says: “Thank you so much for using your good manners.”

The child is being impolite and the parent is not actually congratulating the child on their manners in this example of verbal irony . They mean the exact opposite.

20) You can’t open your new scissors because you don’t have any scissors to cut through the plastic.

This example of situational irony is far too common. In buying scissors, it can be expected that you do not have any, so it is ironic that the packaging is designed for someone who already has a pair.

Are you ready for a quick quiz to test your knowledge of irony? The test is split into the three types of irony.

Which of These Are Examples of Situational Irony?

1) A police station is robbed.

2) A child loses his rucksack after being told to take care not to lose it.

3) A person eats sweets while preaching about healthy eating

Only 1) and 3) are examples of situational irony. Sentence 2) is not a situational irony example because it could be expected that the child might lose the rucksack and that is why they were told to take care.

It would, however, be ironic if he subsequently lost his “Most Organized in 2nd Grade” certificate five minutes after being awarded it.

Which of These Are Examples of Verbal Irony?

1) Saying “The weather is lovely today” while it is hailing.

2) “Wow that perfume is so lovely, did you bathe in it?”

3) Saying “Thank you so much for your help” after someone has crushed your new glasses while helping to look for them.

Only example 1) is verbally ironic, the other two are sarcastic comments.

Verbal irony and sarcasm are often confused but there is one big difference between them: verbal irony is when what you say is the opposite of what you mean while sarcasm is specifically meant to embarrass or insult someone.

Which of These Are Examples of Dramatic Irony?

1) A small ship without life boats is stuck in a monumental storm in the middle of the Atlantic.

2) Three characters are killed and a fourth seems to be going the same way.

3) A girl walks down the same alley we have just seen a known murderer walk down.

Only option 3) is an example of dramatic irony because the audience knows that the murderer is down the alley but the girl does not.

Although the other two examples are undeniably dramatic, there is no inherent irony because the audience has no more knowledge about what will happen than those involved.

Why Should You Use Irony in Your Writing?

Irony can be an effective tool to make a reader stop and think about what has just happened.

It can also emphasize a central theme or idea by adding an unexpected twist to the events of the story.

What brilliant examples of irony in literature have we missed? Share your favorites in the comments.

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Millie Dinsdale

Millie is ProWritingAid’s Content Manager. As an English Literature graduate, she loves all things books and writing. When she isn’t working, Millie enjoys adding to her vast indoor plant collection, dancing, re-reading books by Daphne Du Maurier, and running.

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Three Types of Irony: Definition and Examples

January 19, 2024 by Bassey James Leave a Comment

Irony is a tool that writers use to show the difference between what we expect to happen and what actually happens in a story. There are mainly three types of irony: dramatic, situational, and verbal.

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters in the story do not. It creates suspense and sometimes humour because we can see the unfolding events differently from the characters.

Situational irony happens when there is a contrast between what we expect to occur and what really takes place. This type of irony can surprise and engage the audience by turning the story in unexpected directions.

Verbal irony involves a difference between what is said and what is meant. It often occurs when someone says the opposite of what they really mean, like sarcasm or a clever remark.

In stories, irony adds depth and intrigue, making the audience think more about the characters and the plot. It’s a way for writers to play with our expectations and keep us interested in the unfolding events.

What is Irony?

Irony is a storytelling tool that plays with the difference between what we expect and what actually happens. Authors and speakers use irony to make things funny, create suspense, or put a spotlight on something important. It works by showing the mismatch between what’s happening and what we thought would happen. This mismatch can draw attention to a part of the story, a character’s personality, or an overall theme.

Imagine expecting one thing in a story, but the opposite occurs, making you laugh or keep you on the edge of your seat. That unexpected twist or contradiction is what makes irony interesting. It adds depth to the plot, reveals more about the characters, and helps convey the main ideas in a powerful way. So, when you come across irony in a book, movie, or conversation, remember it’s like a surprise that helps tell a better, more engaging story.

Also Read: 15 Examples of Themes in Literature

History of Irony?

Even though Alanis Morissette made irony famous, she didn’t come up with it. The credit for that goes to a Greek character named Eiron, an underdog who cleverly used wit to outsmart others. This gave birth to the Greek term “eironeía,” meaning ‘purposely affected ignorance.’ Later, it made its way into Latin as “ironia,” eventually becoming a widely-used English figure of speech in the 16th century.

In literature, irony serves as a secret message from the author to the reader, adding hidden layers of meaning and humour. It comes in different forms, such as situational irony, where outcomes defy expectations, like a fire station catching fire—a surprising plot twist. There’s also dramatic irony, where the audience knows something the characters don’t, creating palpable tension. And let’s not overlook verbal irony, where spoken words cleverly contradict the intended meaning, often drenched in sarcasm or wit.

Irony goes beyond a mere clash of expectation and reality; it’s a sophisticated tool wielded by writers to infuse depth, humour, and unexpected twists into their stories. Like a literary spice, irony has the power to transform a simple narrative into a gourmet feast for the mind.

Understanding the Three Types of Irony

Irony adds an interesting twist to stories and conversations. There are three main types of irony that we can explore to better grasp this literary device.

1. Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony, also called tragic irony, happens when the audience knows something important that the main characters in a story do not. For instance, in William Shakespeare’s play “Othello” from 1603, Othello trusts Iago, but the audience is aware that Iago is deceitful. Another example is found in the Greek tragedy “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles , dating back to around 429 BCE. In this story, the audience is already aware of the main character’s tragic destiny before he discovers it himself.

In simpler terms, dramatic irony is like a secret that the audience holds, watching as the characters remain unaware of crucial information. This literary device adds suspense and depth to the plot, making the audience more engaged as they anticipate how the characters will react when they eventually discover the truth.

2. Situational Irony

Situational irony happens when things don’t turn out the way we expect. Take, for instance, the famous tale by O. Henry, “The Gift of the Magi” (1905) . In this story, a wife decides to sell her long hair to buy a chain for her husband’s cherished watch. At the same time, her husband sells his watch to get her a comb for her hair. The surprising part is that neither of them anticipates that their thoughtful gifts will be undermined by the other’s actions. This unexpected turn of events creates situational irony.

A special kind of situational irony is cosmic irony, which reveals the mismatch between the perfect, theoretical world and the practical, everyday reality. It’s like when things seem perfectly aligned in theory, but in real life, they take an ironic and unexpected turn. Understanding situational irony adds an extra layer of enjoyment to stories, as we learn to expect the unexpected.

Also Read: What is Parallel Structure? Types and Examples

3. Verbal Irony

Verbal irony occurs when someone says something, but their words don’t match their true meaning. It happens when a speaker expresses one thing while actually intending something different. This creates a humorous or contradictory situation, as there’s a clash between what they mean and what they say.

There are two main types of verbal irony: overstatement and understatement. Overstatement involves exaggerating, while understatement downplays the significance of a situation. Another form of verbal irony is Socratic irony, where a person pretends not to know something to prompt others to argue their points.

A famous example of verbal irony can be found in Jonathan Swift’s satirical essay, “A Modest Proposal” (1729). In this work, Swift discusses a serious issue, but the proposal he presents is so extreme that it becomes clear he is using irony to criticize the prevailing attitudes of his time. Verbal irony adds depth and humour to communication by playing with the gap between what is said and what is truly meant.

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How to Write About Irony in a Literary Essay

Irony is used across literary genres to a variety of effects. There are two main steps to writing about irony in a literary essay. First, there’s the definition: You’ll need to recognize irony in the text and figure out what type of irony it is. Second, there’s the interpretation: You’ll comment on how that specific type of irony contributes to the overall meaning of the larger text.

Verbal Irony

In general, you can think of irony as occurring when an outcome undermines someone’s expectations. Verbal irony happens when conversational expectations are undermined. When another person listens to you speak, he usually assumes you’re saying what you mean. If you use verbal irony, you say something that you don’t want a listener to take literally. Sarcasm is one kind of verbal irony: If it’s storming, you might say, “Oh, what perfect weather for a picnic!” but expect your friend to realize that you mean just the opposite. Overstatement ( hyperbole ) and understatement (litotes) are also types of verbal irony. As is probably clear, verbal irony is heavily context dependent -- listeners or readers must know something about the speaker’s situation to interpret it correctly.

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that a character doesn’t know. Usually, this “something” is a crucial piece of information for a decision that the character has to make. (This is the kind of irony that makes you scream at an unsuspecting heroine, “Don’t go out the back door-- the killer’s waiting there!”) For example, in William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” Romeo finds Juliet in a drugged sleep, but mistakenly believes that she is dead and, in great distress, commits suicide. The gap between Romeo’s perspective -- that Juliet is dead -- and the audience’s perspective -- that Juliet is merely feigning death -- constitutes dramatic irony.

Situational Irony

Situational irony happens when a text’s plot takes a completely different turn than both the characters and the audience expect. For instance, In “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back,” the story’s hero, Luke Skywalker, learns that the evil Darth Vader is really his father -- and the audience is just as surprised as he is. Situational irony is also sometimes called “cosmic irony” or “irony of fate.”

Interpreting Irony

Once you pinpoint and define irony, in your literary essay, you can show how irony is working to create, reinforce or undermine an overall theme of the text. For instance, in the example of dramatic irony from “Romeo and Juliet,” you could argue that Romeo’s hasty actions in response to his assumption comment on a larger theme of the play: the feud between his and Juliet’s parents. Although we might understand a smitten young lover’s rash decision to join his sweetheart in death, we can contrast his excusable immaturity with the parents’ inexcusable immaturity in holding a grudge that costs many lives. The dramatic irony of the death scene heightens our emotional response to the unnecessary nature of the lovers’ deaths. That emotion then makes us more invested in the play’s resolution, when the feuding families reconcile, and helps us to internalize one of the play’s messages: Bitter hate wounds the hater most deeply. As in all literary essays, make sure to discuss plenty of quotations (here, the ironic passages) as well as the textual and historical context to demonstrate irony’s role in the text as a whole.

• Kansas State University: Critical Concepts: Verbal Irony; Lyman Baker

Elissa Hansen has more than nine years of editorial experience, and she specializes in academic editing across disciplines. She teaches university English and professional writing courses, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English and a certificate in technical communication from Cal Poly, a Master of Arts in English from the University of Wyoming, and a doctorate in English from the University of Minnesota.

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Three Types of Irony: Everything You Need to Know

Irony is a literary technique that storytellers use to contrast expectations and reality. There are primarily three types of irony : dramatic, situational, and verbal.

This article will delve into the three common types of irony to help you make sense of this tactic.

Learn more by continuing to read.

Table of Contents

What is Irony?

A literary technique known as irony contrasts expectations and reality. Ironic circumstances are often used by storytellers to add humor, suspense, and to emphasize a particular theme.

By highlighting the incongruity of a situation or action, irony draws attention to a plot point, character trait, or thematic argument.

3 Types of Irony

There are three different types of irony to explore.

Dramatic Irony

Tragic irony is another name for this kind of irony, which happens when the audience is aware of information that the main characters are not. For example, in William Shakespeare’s Othello (1603), Iago is trusted by Othello, but the audience is aware of this.

Another example of dramatic irony is the Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex (circa 429 BCE) by Sophocles, in which the audience foresees the tragic outcome before the main character does.

Situational Irony

Situational irony happens when an expected result is not what happens. For example, in O. Henry’s classic short story, “The Gift of the Magi” (1905), a wife cuts off her long hair to sell it in order to buy her husband a chain for his prized watch. The husband sells his watch in the interim to pay for his wife’s hair comb.

The situational irony comes from each person not expecting to have their gift undercut by the other’s actions. Cosmic irony, which draws attention to discrepancies between the ideal, theoretical world and the ordinary, grounded reality of daily life, is a subset of situational irony.

Verbal Irony

A statement that contradicts the speaker’s intended meaning is said to be verbally ironic. When a speaker says one thing while really meaning another, their intended meaning and literal meaning collide ironically.

Overstatement or understatement are the two main categories for verbal irony. Socratic irony is a type of verbal irony where someone pretends to be ignorant in order to persuade another person to make claims for the sake of argument. Jonathan Swift’s satirical essay, “A Modest Proposal” (1729), is another example of verbal irony.

Final Words: Other Types of Irony

For bonus points, here are a few extra types of irony . They’re perfect for days when you want to dial the irony all the way up to eleven.

Cosmic irony is when irony goes to a whole other, godly level. Why? Because you only encounter it in myths that feature gods with goals that diverge from those of people. These gods might play with human lives for amusement, resulting in a ton of ironic circumstances. What makes something ironic is when human expectations and actual events diverge. Greek legends are where you’ll typically find this kind of irony.

Historical irony is all about real events that – when you look at them in the rearview mirror – turned out a lot different than people predicted. Similar to how Chinese alchemists searching for a method to create immortality discovered gunpowder. Their discovery had an entirely opposite effect.

Tragic irony is a little step up from dramatic irony. It is demonstrated in Romeo and Juliet, where our two lovers learn the truth just in time to avert a tragedy. Thus, the word “tragic” was used.

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Types of Irony

All About Irony

The 3 Types of Irony

Irony is a literary technique & rhetoric device that has been used for many years in speech, art and everyday life. Although irony has been used for a long time, there hasn’t been an exact definition of irony. There have been hundreds of definitions suggested over the years, however, a general consensus is that:

Irony Definition

Irony is a figure of speech which is a contradiction or  incongruity  between what is expected and what actually occurs.

Most of the definitions of irony are something along these lines, though there is often disagreement about the specific meaning of this term.

There are Three Types of Irony

• Verbal irony
• Situational irony
• Dramatic irony

Verbal Irony

Verbal irony is the use of words to mean something different from what a person actually says.

The main feature of verbal irony that sets it apart from the other different types of irony is that it is used by a speaker intentionally. It occurs in a conversation where a person aims to be understood as meaning something different to what his or her words literally mean.

Examples of verbal irony include:

“Thanks for the ticket officer you just made my day!” “I can’t wait to read the seven hundred page report.”

The above examples show how irony is used to show someone’s frustration or disappointment.

There are two types of verbal irony:

• Overstatement – when a person exaggerates the character of something
• Understatement  – when a person undermines the character of something

Verbal Irony and Sarcasm

Most of the time,  sarcasm  and verbal irony are used interchangeably. There is however a clear distinction between the two.

In most cases, sarcasm is used to insult or to cause harm.

A statement like “Great, someone stained my new dress.” is ironic, while “You call this a work of art?” is sarcastic.

While verbal irony implies a different meaning to what is actually said, sarcasm is mainly used as a sharp and direct utterance designed to cause pain.

[For More See:  Verbal Irony ]

Dramatic Irony

This type of irony is popular in works of art such as movies, books, poems and plays.

It occurs when the audience is aware of something that the characters in the story are not aware of.

An example of dramatic irony is in a movie where a detective does not know that the criminal responsible for the crimes in the city is his partner. The audience however is already aware of this fact and waits anxiously to know what will happen once the character finds out what they already know.

There are three stages of dramatic irony:

• Installation – audience is informed of something the character does not know about
• Exploitation – using this information to develop curiosity among the audience
• Resolution  – what happens when the character finally finds out what is going on?

A special category of dramatic irony is tragic irony.

Tragic irony occurs when a character in a play does or says something that communicates a meaning unknown to her but recognized by the audience.

An example of tragic irony is when a character orders poisoned food that is supposed to kill him or her and the audience already knows that the character is destined to die from food poisoning.

Tragic irony was common in plays that depicted the lives of legends in ancient Greece.

The audience already knew the fate of the characters before they watched the play.

[For More See:  Dramatic Irony ]

Situational Irony

It involves a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

Situational irony occurs when the exact opposite of what is meant to happen, happens.

An example would be when someone buys a gun to protect himself, but the same gun is used by another individual to injure him. One would expect that the gun would keep him safe, but it has actually caused him injury.

There is however a difference between situational irony and coincidence or bad luck.

When someone washes his car and it rains, that is just bad luck; nothing led him or her to think that it would not rain. However, when a TV weather presenter gets caught in an unexpected storm, it is ironic because he or she is expected to know the exact weather changes.

For situational irony to occur there has to be something that leads a person to think that a particular event or situation is unlikely happen.

[For More See:  Situational Irony ]

Concepts Related to Situational Irony:

• Poetic Irony  also known as Poetic Justice
• Cosmic Irony

[For More Examples of Irony See:  Irony Examples ]

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• Irony Worksheets

Irony is about expectations and opposites. I teach students that there are three types of irony. Verbal irony is when a character or person says one thing but means the complete opposite. This is more commonly known as sarcasm. Dramatic irony is when a character believes something and the opposite is true . The audience knows that the character is working under false beliefs. This can lead to hilarious or tragic situations. Situational irony is when the complete opposite of what is expected occurs. When most people think of irony, they are thinking of situational irony.

Of all the concepts with which my students struggle, irony may be the most challenging. These resources have been useful in my attempts, I hope that you may too find some use for these.

I hope that these irony worksheets and activities will help you or your students master irony. Irony is a tricky skill and it's really great to get some extra practice with it.

Irony Common Core State Standards

71 comments.

wonderful work and great support Thanks

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Thank you for sharing! They are awesome!

This is always a hit! Thank you!

Barbara Lawrence

Wonderful worksheets. Thank you so much for sharing them.

Great materials, Mr Morton! Thank you for your generosity.

Fabio Schneider

This is beyond my wildest dreams ! ( I am ” a little exhausted ” towards the end of an interesting school year – and here is all I need to get back in the game. Fantastic ! Have a wonderful day, Sir

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