1. THREE TYPES OF IRONY LITERARY DEVICES
COMMON CORE READING STANDARD FOR LITERATURE: Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of
a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning as
well as its aesthetic impact.

2. SITUATIONAL IRONY
DEFINITION: When a character or reader expects one thing to happen but something completely different occurs
EXAMPLE: Oedipus seeks to cast out the murderer from Thebes in order to release Thebes from the plague, when in reality Oedipus is the murderer who is causing the plague.

3. DRAMATIC IRONY
DEFINITION: When you, the reader or viewer, are aware of information of which the characters are unaware.
EXAMPLE: When Oedipus believes he will protect himself and his city by avenging the murdered king, the audience is aware that by avenging Laius, Oedipus will actually destroy himself.

4. VERBAL IRONY
DEFINITION: When a speaker or writer uses words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; saying one thing, but meaning something completely different.
EXAMPLE: When Teiresias says to Oedipus, “I say that you, with both of your eyes are blind.”

5. ASSIGNMENT Label the type of irony
With a partner, identify three examples of EACH type of irony within the play Oedipus Rex. For each example include the following:
Label the type of irony
Provide the quote from the play (with line numbers in parenthesis)
Explain how the quote is ironic