What Is Irony? | Definition, Examples & Types
Irony is a rhetorical device in which the apparent meaning of a situation or statement is not the same as the underlying meaning. Irony involves a contrast between appearance or expectation and reality.
Irony is often used in literature, but you may also encounter it in everyday conversations, movies, or song lyrics. It’s best to avoid irony in academic writing or professional communication to prevent miscommunications.
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What is irony?
Irony is a rhetorical and literary device in which a situation or statement contradicts our expectations. Irony is used in literature to create a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.
For example, irony can occur when a character says the opposite of what they really mean or when an event or action is the opposite of what we had expected. Writers use irony to subvert the readers’ expectations and create humorous, engaging, and thought-provoking stories.
3 types of irony
The three most common types of irony are:
Verbal irony
Verbal irony occurs when someone says one thing but means another. This is done intentionally to convey sarcasm or create humor. Usually, it involves expressing an opinion or sentiment contrary to what the speaker or narrator actually believes. Verbal irony is not the same as lying because the purpose is not to deceive.
Situational irony
Situational irony occurs when the results of an action are the opposite of what was intended or expected. The results can be tragic or humorous, but they are always unexpected.
You can find examples of situational irony in everyday life (e.g., when someone posts on social media about how social media is a waste of time). In literature, situational irony is the source of plot twists. Its purpose is to surprise the reader and highlight the unpredictability of the future.
“By the evening, however, Napoleon appeared to be somewhat better, and the following morning Squealer was able to tell them that he was well on the way to recovery. By the evening of that day Napoleon was back at work, and on the next day it was learned that he had instructed Whymper to purchase in Willingdon some booklets on brewing and distilling.”
This is an example of situational irony because the reader expects that after the animals’ uprising against humans, they will live in harmony. However, at this point in the story the reader realizes that Napoleon is following in the footsteps of the former master, Mr. Jones, who was a drunkard.
Situational irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens, while coincidence occurs when two events appear to be related but are not.
Dramatic irony
Dramatic irony or tragic irony is a plot device used in fiction to create suspense or humor. It usually occurs when the audience knows something that one or more characters do not. As a result, the characters make poor decisions and face the consequences. In comedy, dramatic irony leads to misunderstandings and creates a comedic effect.
What is the difference between irony and sarcasm?
The terms irony and sarcasm are often used interchangeably because both involve saying the opposite of what is true. However, there is a difference between them.
Sarcasm can only be expressed verbally. You can make a sarcastic remark, but an event cannot be sarcastic. The purpose of sarcasm is to be intentionally mean and point at another person’s faults (this often involves speaking ironically). Sarcasm can also be used to express frustration or anger.
In contrast, irony is a broader term and is not limited to verbal remarks; irony can be found in situations or actions. Also, irony is not limited to ridiculing someone or something.
In short, sarcasm is sometimes a form of irony, but not all irony is sarcastic.
Frequently asked questions about irony
- What is Socratic irony?
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Socratic irony is a form of irony inspired by the Greek philosopher Socrates. By pretending to be ignorant and asking probing questions, Socrates tried to tease information out of his students.
By doing so, he exposed the errors and inconsistencies in their logic and beliefs, proving that they were, in fact, ignorant—thus, the irony.
- What is an example of irony in literature?
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An example of irony in literature can be found in Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado.”
The reader knows that the main character, Montresor, wants to take revenge on and kill his friend, Fortunato, who is unaware of this. When Montresor is luring him into the catacombs, there is a discrepancy between how the reader and how Fortunato perceive the situation: the reader knows that Montresor intends to kill him there, while Fortunato believes that they are going to sample some wine. Therefore, the story relies on dramatic irony.
- What is the difference between irony and satire?
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Irony and satire are similar in that they both often have a humorous effect. However, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.
Irony is a rhetorical and literary device that involves a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs. It is an indirect way to convey meaning (e.g., by saying one thing, but actually meaning the opposite). There are several types of irony and their purpose varies: irony can be used to create humor or tension or to introduce the element of surprise in a story.
In contrast, satire is a humoristic genre and literary device that often uses irony or exaggeration to make a point. The purpose is usually to poke fun at individuals or groups and to criticize social issues, often in order to bring about change. Satire is often used in political commentary.
