3 Types of Irony

1. Definition: A Figure of speech. A contradiction of expectation between what is said and what is meant between what might be expected and what actually occurs. Often connected to a fatalistic or pessimistic view of life 3 Types of Irony Three types of irony : Verbal Dramatic Situational

2. Verbal Irony • This is the contrast between what is said and what is meant. Most sarcastic comments are ironic.   “That’s just great!” ( in a disgusted tone) • For instance, the person who says, "Nice going, Einstein," isn't really paying anyone a compliment.

3. Dramatic Irony This is the contrast between what the character thinks to be true and what we (the reader) know to be true. Sometimes as we read we are placed in the position of knowing more than what one character knows.  Because we know something the character does not, we read to discover how the character will react when he or she learns the truth of the situation.  Think soap operas or horror films! It's when you know the boogeyman is hiding in the attic, but the hero of the movie doesn't know that. You want him to get a clue and stay away from the attic. "Don't open that door! Get out of the house!" The irony is that the hero thinks he is safe, when you know he's in danger. There is that element of contrast again.

4. Situational Irony It is the contrast between what happens and what was expected. Irony of situation is often humorous, such as when a prank backfires on the prankster. Or the opposite happens… A police chief gets arrested for burglary. It's the equivalent of a person spraying shaving cream in his own face when he was trying to spray his best friend.

8. In the following song… Underline the examples That illustrate irony…

9. An old man turned ninety-eight He won the lottery and died the next day It's a black fly in your Chardonnay It's a death row pardon two minutes too late Isn't it ironic ... don't you think Chorus It's like rain on your wedding day It's a free ride when you've already paid It's the good advice that you just didn't take Who would've thought ... it figures Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids good-bye He waited his whole dang life to take that flight And as the plane crashed down he thought 'Well isn't this nice...' And isn't it ironic ... don't you think Repeat Chorus “Ironic” by Alanis Morrisette Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you When you think everything's okay and everything's going right And life has a funny way of helping you out when You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up In your face It's a traffic jam when you're already late It's a no-smoking sign on your cigarette break It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife It's meeting the man of my dreams And then meeting his beautiful wife And isn't it ironic... don't you think A little too ironic... and yeah I really do think... Repeat Chorus Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out Helping you out