Types of Irony 8 th Grade Language Arts

“Isn’t it ironic…don’t ya think?” There are four different types of literary irony. The term “ironic” is often misused in everyday language. Read on and violate no longer!

The Three Types of Irony Situational Irony: An event of outcome of events opposite to what was or might naturally have been expected. For example:When John Hinckley attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan, all of his shots initially missed the President; however a bullet ricocheted off the bullet-proof windows of the Presidential limousine and struck Reagan in the chest. Thus, the windows made to protect the President from gunfire were partially responsible for his being shot.John Hinckley assassinateRonald Reagan

Dramatic Irony This is when one of the characters is unaware of important information that the audience is made aware of. For example: In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet Romeo believes Juliet to be dead when she is merely asleep. This turns into tragic irony when he decides to end his life to be with her.

Verbal Irony The speaker or writer of verbal irony says one thing while INTENDING the reader to get a different meaning. For example, when using Sarcasm, the speaker says one thing but his tone implies another meaning.

How is this ironic?

And this?