Definition Of Ironic In Literature
Welcome to is it ironic.
Definition of ironic in literature. With these examples you will know how the literary device should be actually used. Johnathan swift s a modest proposal is a classic example of verbal irony he begins seemingly in earnest discussing the sad state of destitute children. If something couldn t be construed as poetic justice depending on how dark your sense of humour is then it s also unlikely to be ironic. Whoever could find out a fair cheap and easy method of making these children sound useful members of the commonwealth would deserve so well of the public as to have his statue set up for a.
Irony is a linguistic and literary device in spoken or written form in which real meaning is concealed or contradicted. This is ironic specifically situational irony. Verbal irony in which literal meaning contradicts actual meaning and dramatic irony in which there is an incongruity between what is expected and what occurs. This one situation has two opposing meanings that contradict expectations.
One of the most famous examples of irony in literature comes from the gift of the magi by o. Irony though so oft used in popular media and literature is also one of the most misused figures of speech especially after the release of the song ironic by alanis morissette which ironically talks more about coincidences. 1 going to see a sight and prove that you were there 2 not enjoying the thing you went to see. Irony is often used for critical or humorous effect in literature music art and film or a lesson.
This outcome is ironic in the sense that mathilde has become the opposite of the woman she wished to be and mme. Interesting strange or funny because of being very different from what you would usually. The definitive english writer s resource for the definition of irony as well as hundreds of examples of irony both in literature and real life uses and misuses this site is dedicated to helping you answer questions about all types of irony including examples of sarcasm which some folk continue to find confusing. Perhaps one of the reasons we love a good case of irony in film or literature is that our own lives are so often filled with it.
Although many of us learn about irony in our high school english classes through works of theater like shakespeare s romeo and juliet or sophocles s oedipus rex many people feel unsure of what irony means or how to use it correctly. Forestier is in possession of a real diamond necklace rather than a false one. Writing a song about irony which supposedly contains examples of irony but which aren t ironic is the very definition of irony. The effect can be frustrating comical or even tragic but we can t escape it in real life so why not embrace it in literature too.
As a literary device irony is often misunderstood. It is tragic irony or poetic justice.