1. Irony English 11

2. What is irony?  Irony is the use of words to express something different from, and often opposite to, their literal meaning.  There is a contrast between what is stated and what is meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.  There are 3 types of irony 1.Verbal 2.Dramatic 3.Situational

3. Verbal Irony  A word or phrase is used to suggest the opposite of its usual meaning.  Examples: Sarcasm  1.“The locker room smells really good.” 2.“Awesome! Another homework packet!”

4. Dramatic Irony  Occurs when there is a contradiction between what a character thinks and what the reader or audience knows.  Examples: 1.Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on the test, but we know he cheated. 2.When watching a talk show, the audience knows why a person has been brought on the show. However, the person sitting in a chair does not know that he is going to be reunited with a former flame.

5. Situational Irony  Occurs when an event contradicts the expectations of the characters, of the reader, or of the audience.  Examples: 1.The mayor’s wife gets caught stealing. 2.You stay up all night studying for a test. When you go to class, you discover the test isn’t until the next day.

6. Why do writers use irony?  Irony inverts our expectations. It can create the unexpected twist at the end of a joke or a story.  Verbal irony tends to be funny.  Situational irony can be funny or tragic.  Dramatic irony is often tragic.

7. Which type of irony is this?

8.  As your teacher is signing detention forms for students who did not complete their homework, she says in an irritated voice, “I just love when students don’t do their homework!”  Verbal Irony  Alex writes a love poem to Judy, but we know that Judy really loves Devin, not Alex.  Dramatic Irony

9. What type of irony is this? Verbal Irony

10. Which type of irony is this? Situational Irony

11. Which type of irony is this?  In Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the reader knows that Brutus is plotting to kill Julius Caesar, but Julius Caesar does not know this. He thinks that Brutus is a loyal man to him.  Dramatic Irony  You have a six-foot tall friend who you call “Shorty.”  Verbal Irony

12. What type of irony is this? Verbal Irony

13. What type of irony is this? Dramatic Irony

14. Which type of irony is this? Situational Irony

15. Now, it’s your turn  Independently complete the “Identifying Irony” worksheet. Carefully read each passage, identify the type of irony present, and explain your answer. “Identifying Irony” Worksheet