What is Irony?

Irony
• A Surprise!
• It is the difference between what we
expect to happen, and what actually
does happen.
• It is often used to add suspense and
interest.
• It is also used to keep the reader
thinking about the moral of the story.
The Big Picture
Irony

Verbal Situational Dramatic

Irony Irony Irony
Verbal Irony
A character says one thing but means
the opposite

Also called sarcasm or being sarcastic.

Examples
The locker room smells really good.
Awesome! Another homework packet!
Dramatic Irony
When the reader understands more about
the events of a story than a character.
You know something that a character
doesn’t.
Example
-Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on
the test, but we know he cheated.
-Alex writes a love poem to Judy but we
know that Judy loves Devin.
Situational Irony
When what actually happens is the
opposite of what is expected.

Something about the situation is completely

unexpected.
Example
An English teacher has poor grammar.
Bill Gates uses an Apple computer.
More Examples of Irony
Definition: a contrast Situational:
between what is something happens
expected and what that we wouldn’t
actually happens expect to happen
Example: a fire
station
burns down
Example: a fire station burns down

Dramatic: the reader Verbal – what is said

knows something the
characters do not
Home Alone: We know that
Kevin has planted traps every
where, but the thieves don’t!
is different than what
is meant
You tell someone to break a leg but
you mean for them to have good
luck
 SITUATIONAL IRONY
We don’t expect a FITNESS CENTER to
have an escalator because they cause you
to burn LESS calories.
 A: Situational Irony
• You wouldn’t expect to see a Pepsi
delivery man drinking a Coke!
5. As you walk outside into the pouring rain,
your friend sarcastically comments, “What
lovely weather we’re having today.”
 A: VERBAL IRONY
• Your friend is saying that it is lovely
weather but what she means is just the
opposite. It is a very dreary day.
 SITUATIONAL
The van drove into a “School of Safe Driving
.” Hahahahahaha! We wouldn’t expect
that.
9. Your date for the school dance shows up
in ripped jeans and a stained t-shirt. With
a smirk, you say, “Oh! I see you dressed
up for the occasion.”
11. When watching a talk show, the
audience knows why a person has been
brought on the show. However, the
person in the chair does not know that
they are going to be reunited with a long
lost friend.
 A: DRAMATIC IRONY
• The audience knows information that a
character does not! (We know why the
person has been brought on the show, but
they don’t!)
Applying Irony to “Twilight”
•________ Irony:
Bella wants to know how Edward tracked her to Port Angeles.
He says, “Your scent.” She doesn’t know what to make of that,
but the reader knows that he’s telling the truth.

•________ Irony:
Bella – “How long have you been 17?”
Edward – “A while.”

•________ Irony:
Bella learns Edward is a vampire. Instead of being frightened
she is intrigued.
Explain the irony!
 Review
Something that is ironic is unexpected.

If unexpected by a character, it’s dramatic.

If unexpected by everyone, it’s situational.
If it’s sarcasm, it’s verbal.