Where does the term irony come from in literature?
The term comes from the Latin word ironia, meaning “feigned ignorance.” Storytellers of all stripes use irony as a literary device to create tension, humor, or as the central conceit in a plot. To help you make heads or tails of this literary technique, this article will dig into three common types of irony (plus one uncommon one):
Which is the best example of verbal irony?
For example, if someone has a painful visit to the dentist and when it’s over says, “Well, that was pleasant,” they are using verbal irony because the intended meaning of their words (that it wasn’t at all pleasant) is the opposite of the literal meaning of the words. Verbal irony is the most common form of irony.
Which is an example of irony in The Hobbit?
Dramatic Irony Example: The Hobbit. The Hobbit contains a perfect example of this when Bilbo happens upon the ring while lost in a mountain. He puts it in his pocket and soon after encounters Gollum. At this point, readers are aware of the significance of the ring and of its importance to Gollum.
How is irony used in the Harry Potter series?
Situational irony is often present in many layers. Throughout the seventh book of the Harry Potter series, readers follow Harry on his quest to find and destroy Voldemort’s six horcruxes. At the end of the novel, we find out that there is a seventh horcrux: Harry.
Is the word irony synonymous with bad luck?
Irony is not synonymous with sarcasm, coincidence, or bad luck. While these concepts can have ironic characteristics, they’re not interchangeable. More on that later. Irony creates contrast between how things seem and how they really are beneath the surface.
How is irony related to the idea of cosmic irony?
Situational irony is closely related to the idea of cosmic irony, where the universe seemingly contrives an event for its own amusement. For example, when the “unsinkable” HMS Titanic met an untimely end on its maiden voyage. To clarify: “the irony of events” is not the same as “coincidence” and “bad luck” (apologies to Alanis Morrisette).
When is irony the same as coincidence and bad luck?
Situational irony. When the truth contradicts an expected outcome, it’s situational irony — also known as “the irony of events.” Again, just to clarify, irony is not the same as “coincidence” and “bad luck.”. If you buy a new car and then accidentally drive it into a tree, that is both coincidence and bad luck.
Which is an example of irony in Greek tragedy?
You can also see this type of irony at play in Greek tragedies where the tragic hero is punished for their acts of hubris (excessive pride) — which was apparently the gravest sin in ancient Greece. Example: In Oedipus Rex, the title character is, unbeknownst to him, a foundling adopted by King Polybus.
Who was without a sense of irony and banter?
Lacking any sense of irony, Eldridge made campaign-finance reform a signature plank. This unreasoning, feminine obstinacy so wrought upon him that he permitted himself a smile and a lapse into irony and banter. Today her irony was concealed, but, like a carefully-covered fire, he knew it was burning still.
How is irony used in situational and dramatic irony?
In situational irony, both the characters and the audience are fully unaware of the implications of the real situation. In dramatic irony, the characters are oblivious of the situation, but the audience is not.
Which is the best dictionary definition of Acumen?
Define acumen. acumen synonyms, acumen pronunciation, acumen translation, English dictionary definition of acumen. ) n. Quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight: “A brilliant acumen in agricultural matters had made the old man a legend in the…
Is the word irony synonymous with the word incongruous?
This sense, however, is not synonymous with “incongruous” but merely a definition of dramatic or situational irony. It is often included in definitions of irony not only that incongruity is present but also that the incongruity must reveal some aspect of human vanity or folly.