Literary Analysis: Irony

Practice

Irony can be the difference between what happens and what you or a character expects or wants. This kind of irony is called situational irony.

What the Character Wants What Actually Happens

Jack wants to score high on the test. vs. The next day, Jack is so tired that he falls asleep during the test.
He stays up all night studying for it.

Write irony on each blank that describes an ironic situation. Write no irony on each blank that does not contain irony.

1. Susan works hard at her job. Her boss gives her a raise. A few months later, Susan gets a
promotion and another raise.
A
2.             William works hard at his job. His boss never gives him a raise. William decides he will not work so hard. A few months later, his boss says, “Good work, William.
I’m going to give you a raise.”

3.               Aisha wakes up late. She is so worried about being late for school that she calls her cousin for a ride. They arrive exactly on time, only to
discover that school is closed for a holiday.

B For each example of irony, explain the difference between the expectation and the reality in the situation.

1. Robbers break into the bank, and the guard takes a great risk trying to stop them. Later, the guard learns that there was no money in the bank that day.

Expectation:       

Reality:       

2. Janice agrees to meet with Earl at the library to work on a school project. Earl is very popular at school. Janice is nervous about meeting him. When Earl
arrives, he says, “I’m sorry I’m late. I was so nervous about meeting you that I left all my notes at home and had to go back to get them.”

Expectation:       

Reality: