Download Types of Irony

Types of Irony
Irony
The difference between what is
expected and what actually
happens
Socratic Irony
(named after Socrates) is the
feigned ignorance of
another’s point of view in
order to draw that person
out and refute his or her
arguments.
Example:
One that pretends a willingness
to learn (I am not sure I
understand, would you please
explain…) for the sake of
exposing an opponent’s errors
is a Socratic ironist.
Verbal Irony
Is a figure of speech in which there
is a contrast between what is said
and what is actually meant.
In speech tone of voice makes
ironic intent obvious: “That’s just
wonderful!” can clearly mean
“That’s terrible!”
The writer has to convey
irony more implicitly, and so
it becomes more difficult for
the reader to recognize.
Sarcasm is verbal irony that
is harsh and heavy-handed
rather than clever and
incisive.
Situational Irony
Refers to the contrast between what
is intended or expected and what
actually occurs.
Dramatic Irony is a form of
situational irony, involving the
audience being aware of a
character’s real situation before
the character is.
If someone writes travel books
for a living, you would expect
them to love traveling.
If someone works all her life to
become a doctor, you would
expect her to become one
instead of a typist.
Irony of Fate
Is a phrase used to identify the
view that fate, destiny, or
God, seeking diversion for
amusement, manipulates
human beings like puppets
and thwarts their plans.
Thus, it is an irony of fate that
pardon is delivered too late
to stay on death row, or that
Silas Marner recovers his
long lost gold after he
ceases to have any desire
for it.