Irony and Ambiguity

Isn’t it IRONIC?

OIrony: The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

3 Types of Irony

OVerbal IronyODramatic IronyOSituational Irony

Verbal Irony: Meaning Something ElseOSaying one thing, but

meaning another. OExample: In seeing that its

raining outside, your P.E. teacher saying, “A great day to run outside!”

Dramatic Irony: Withholding Knowledge

O “When the audience knows what is in store for a character, but the character does not know. O Interesting because it mimics life,

its always surprising! O Example: Little Red Riding Hood –

When she walks to Grandmother’s house, the audience knows the wolf is waiting for her! OR Titanic we know the boat sinks, the characters don’t!

Situational Irony:Reversing ExpectationsOAn occasion in which the

outcome is significantly different from what was expected or considered appropriate

OExample: The Sixth Sense – The fact Bruce Willis’ character is dead.

Reverse Dramatic IronyWithholding InformationOOccurs when the

characters know information that the audience is unaware of.

Ambiguity:Multiple Meanings

O Doubtfulness or uncertainty of meaning or intention

O Offers a choice of more than one meaning or intention

O Keeps us guessing and the point is to make the audience figure out our own interpretation