Irony

Definition of Irony The contrast or discrepancy between expectation and reality The understanding of a statement or event is changed by its context (sometimes having additional information, sometimes tone of voice)

Types of Irony Situational irony: what happens is the opposite of what is expected It is not just something surprising, but the complete opposite of what is expected

Examples Situational Irony Example: The firehouse burned down. Example: A man takes a step aside in order to avoid getting sprinkled by a wet dog, and falls into a swimming pool. Example: “The Gift of the Magi”

In Othello Situational Irony Cassio is the one Iago wants dead or fired, and at the end of the play, Cassio is the only one in Iago’s plot that is still alive, and he gets a promotion to general. Emilia is Desdemona’s friend, and helps with the plot against her unknowingly.

Types of Irony Dramatic irony: the audience or reader knows more about a character’s situation than the character does and knows that the character’s understanding is incorrect It often leads to the character making a big mistake.

Examples Dramatic irony: Example: In Romeo and Juliet, when Romeo finds Juliet in the tomb, the reader knows that she is still alive but Romeo thinks she is dead. Example: In horror movies, you sometimes want to warn, “don’t open the door!” or “don’t go in there!”

In Othello Dramatic irony: The repetitive use of the phrase “honest Iago” when we know he is a liar We know that Desdemona was faithful, but Othello doesn’t, and that is why he vows to kill her. We know that Iago is plotting against Othello, but Othello trusts him as a friend.

Types of Irony Verbal irony: a discrepancy between what is said and what is really meant This can be sarcasm. This can be outright lies by a character to deceive others.

Examples Verbal Irony Example: A large man whose nickname is “Tiny” Example: Something bad happens to someone and they say, “Oh, that’s just great.”

In Othello Verbal Irony Iago says to Othello, “beware, my Lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” Iago is warning against jealousy while trying to make Othello jealous (and being a jealous character himself), so he is saying the opposite of what he means to do.