Elements of Short Stories

Irony Irony is a literary device where words are used to show a contradiction between appearance and reality Meaning: reality is usually the opposite of what it seems There are 3 types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic

Irony Verbal irony - A character says one thing but really means the opposite

Verbal Irony A character says one thing but really means the opposite Sarcasm is one type of verbal irony To find verbal irony, ask yourself: What is really being said? If what the person actually says is not exactly what they mean, it’s most likely verbal irony

Verbal Irony-Examples When someone asks, “Does that bruise hurt?” And you say, “No” When your teacher says, “I see how hard you worked on your homework!” after you hand in a blank worksheet

Verbal Irony-Sarcasm Sarcasm is also a form of verbal irony

Irony Verbal irony - A character says one thing but really means the opposite Situational irony – When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate.

Situational Irony When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate. Comes from the situation or circumstances the characters find themselves in To find situational irony, ask yourself: “What was I expecting to happen?” If the opposite happened, it’s most likely situational irony

Situational Irony-Examples Someone breaks in to a thief’s house at the same time he is out robbing another house The founder of match.com was dumped by his long-time girlfriend—after she found someone else on match.com

Irony Verbal irony - A character says one thing but really means the opposite Situational irony – When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate. Dramatic irony – The reader or audience understands more about the events of a story than a character.

Dramatic Irony The reader or audience understands more about the events of a story than a character. Comes from the audience’s understanding—or “inside joke” or “inside knowledge” To find dramatic irony, ask yourself, “Did I already know what happened or was going to happen?” If you answered yes, it’s most likely dramatic irony

Dramatic Irony-Examples Almost every horror movie…we know the killer is waiting, but the characters don’t… Jaws…da na…da na…da na da na…da nanananananana AAAHHH!!!!

Dramatic Irony-Examples Simba spends most of the movie trying to rid himself of the guilt from killing his father Meanwhile, we know it was Scar who killed Mufasa

Dramatic Irony-Examples Hercules must drink “Every last drop” to become mortal—but one drop remains Hades does not know this, but Pain, Panic, and the audience do!

Irony v. Coincidence Be careful not to confuse irony with coincidence Coincidences are unexpected and sometimes unexplainable, but seem to have no cause or connection Note: that “CONNECTION” word is the big give away!

Irony v. Coincidence Examples of coincidence: 2 girls wearing the same outfit without planning it A young boy surviving a terrible fall while wearing a Superman shirt Someone walking by while you are talking smack about them

Irony or Coincidence…You Tell me! Rain on a wedding day COINCIDENCE Why? It’s unfortunate, but no one has done anything to cause it—the two are unrelated (And, honestly, the weather doesn’t care what you’re doing!)

Irony or Coincidence…You Tell me! A policeman having a warrant out for his arrest for unpaid parking tickets IRONY! Why? He’s a policeman; he knows better and he caused the situation to happen

Irony or Coincidence…You Tell me! Why? The sign for “Fasteners” clearly needs a fastener itself…

Irony or Coincidence…You Tell me! Forgetting to study for a test, then finding out the teacher doesn’t feel good and lets you watch a movie instead COINCIDENCE! Why? Your lack of preparation had nothing to do with the teacher being ill (or lazy)