Irony 3 Kinds of Irony

What is Irony? Irony is about expectations. Irony: the opposite of what is expected. 3 kinds of irony Verbal Dramatic Situational

Verbal Irony A character says one thing but means something different. One form is 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 General Sedgwick’s last words were, “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.” Bill Gates uses an Apple computer.

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.

Now let’s practice! Read the passage. Next, tell me which type of irony is taking place: verbal irony, situational irony, or dramatic irony.

What type of irony? When Mr. Goodenwell saw his baby boy Vince for the first time, he swore that he'd do anything to protect the little guy. This was easy at first, when all Vince did was lie in a pillow and drink milk. But as little Vince grew bigger, he started walking. And once he started walking, he got into everything. He was becoming a serious threat to himself when Mr. Goodenwell, making good on his vow to protect his son, went to the store and bought $150 worth of equipment to childproof his home. He put covers on the outlets, bumpers on the table corners, and a sliding lock on the toilet lid. But right as Mr. Goodenwell was adjusting the covers on the door knobs, Vince pulled the cap off an outlet and choked on it. Mr. Goodenwell found him just in time.

Situational irony! Explain your answer: One would expect that childproofing a home would protect the child, when in fact it endangers Vince.

What type of irony? A mean old man ate a large meal at a restaurant. The waitress tried to provide him with excellent service, but every time she brought him a dish, he complained. First he thought that the soup was too cold when it was hot. Then he said that his steak was dry and chewy, when it was moist and succulent. Then he complained that one of her blonde hairs was in his mashed potatoes, but the hair was actually grey like his own. She remained patient and continued to try to help him until the end of the meal, when he left her a quarter for a tip. She replied on his way out, “Thank you for the generous tip, Mister.”

Verbal irony! Explain your answer: The waitress expresses gratitude when she intends the opposite.

What type of irony? Tom has always liked Lucy, but Lucy has always thought Tom was annoying and unattractive. One day, Lucy comes home to find an eviction notice on her door. Apparently, her roommate had been spending the rent money that Lucy was giving her on other things. Lucy only has 24 hours to get all her stuff over to her mom’s house, and Lucy doesn’t even have a car. But Tom has a truck. So Lucy calls up Tom and asks him how he’s doing. She tells him that she’s always thought he was funny, and that they should hang out sometime. Tom thinks that Lucy has finally come around is beginning to like her. He also thinks that his jokes are funny because she is laughing after everything that he says

Dramatic irony! Explain your answer: Reader's know that Lucy doesn't like Tom, but Tom believes the opposite.

Last one: What type of irony? The rapper Eminem is well-known for his song writing ability, but he is equally known for his shockingly profane and obscene lyrical content. Eminem has made a fortune selling his curse filled songs to millions of children around the world. But, on a 60 Minutes interview, Eminem claimed that there was no swearing in his own home and that his children were not allowed to play music with curse words, including his own tracks.

Situational irony! Explain your answer: One might expect that Eminem, a renowned potty-mouth, would curse in his own home, when in fact the opposite is true.