Irony

 the humorous or scornful use of words to express a contrast to what one really means. What is said or written is not what is meant. There are three types of irony: situational dramatic verbal

Situational Irony  when the outcome of a situation is the opposite, or different, from what the audience or reader expects Example: In “The Interlopers”, Georg and Ulrich finally decide not to kill each other, but will most likely die together.

Dramatic Irony  when the audience or reader has information that a character does not have Example: In “Harrison Bergeron,” the reader knows that Hazel has just watched her son die on television, but she is unaware.

Verbal Irony  when one statement is made, but the opposite is meant (sarcasm) Example: Jane slips on the field and misses the winning goal for her soccer team. “Great job,” Cindy, the team bully, mutters as they leave the field.

Your turn: Provide your own example of  1)Situational irony: 2)Dramatic Irony: 3)Verbal irony:

Why do authors use irony? Irony allows writers to suggest more than the surface meaning of their words - it shapes meaning in subtle ways and helps create 'layers of meaning'. These subtle meanings force the reader to think more deeply, which increases the reader’s involvement with the text.

Why do authors use irony? When using irony, a writer creates a kind of 'shared understanding' between the writer and the reader who both recognize that what is written is not quite what is meant. Irony creates a feeling of satisfaction for the reader when the irony is recognized and understood.

Why do authors use irony? Dramatic irony creates suspense- the reader wants to find out how the character will react when he or she learns the truth.