Irony 3 Kinds of Irony

What is Irony?

Irony is about expectations. Irony: the opposite of what is expected. 3 kinds of irony •  Verbal •  Dramatic •  Situational

Verbal Irony A character says one thing but means

the opposite Also known as sarcasm or being sarcastic

when used with the correct tone.

Examples The locker room smells really good. Awesome! Another homework packet!

Sarcasm Sarcasm is used to hurt a person’s feelings.

It is an example of a type of verbal irony.

Example: Your enemy in third period fails a test. You say, “Wow, you’re really smart!”

The plan your brother came up with failed miserably. You say, “That was a great idea! I really wanted to spend the night in the hospital!”

Dramatic Irony When the reader understands more about the events of a story than a character.

You know something that a character doesn’t.

Example Tim’s parents are proud of the “A” he got on the test, but we know he cheated.

Alex writes a love poem to Judy, but we know that Judy loves Devin.

Situational Irony When what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected.

Something about the situation is completely unexpected.

Example A millionaire is caught stealing at Walmart.

Bill Gates uses an Apple computer. An English teacher is bad at spelling.

Review

Something that is ironic is unexpected.

If unexpected by a character, it’s dramatic. If unexpected by everyone, it’s situational. If it’s dialogue, it’s verbal.

Practice: Identify the type of irony used in each example.

1. You stay up all night studying for a huge test. When you get to class the next day, the test has been cancelled. 2. Your friend shows up to school with a new haircut that looks terrible. You say, “Your new haircut looks great!” with a smile on your face. 3. While watching Jerry Springer, you already know that the main guest is cheating on his girlfriend. He wants to tell this to his girlfriend today on the show.

Practice: Identify the type of irony used in each example.

4. The Health Department is closed because of a rat infestation. 5. If you have a fear of long words, you are Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobic. 6. When you dig out a t-shirt from the bottom of the hamper, your mom says, “I see you ironed your shirt.” 7. In a scary movie, one of the characters walks into a dark room. This is the same room the audience saw the killer walk into three minutes ago.

Practice: Identify the type of irony used in each example.

8. A person uses Twitter to explain to her followers that Twitter is a waste of time and doesn’t make any sense. 9. Your room is a mess. Dirty clothes, papers, trash, and dirty dishes are on every surface you can see. Your dad comes in and says, “This is the most beautiful room I have ever seen. Well done, son.”

10. Identify the type of irony below. Why is it that type of irony?

11. Identify the type of irony below. Why is it that type of irony?

12. Identify the type of irony below. Why is it that type of irony?

13. Identify the type of irony below. Why is it that type of irony?

14. Which type of irony is used in this example? How can you tell?

15. Which type of irony is used in this example? How can you tell?

16. Which type of irony is used? How can you tell?