Definition Of Irony In Literature And Examples
In to kill a mockingbird by harper lee the main character scout goes to school and is already able to read.
Definition of irony in literature and examples. 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 best when it points us towards deeper meanings of a situation. Here are some examples of irony and how it adds to the significance of well known literary works. Students identify types of irony in literature by using a character likeness on their storyboard.
Irony in the sell out. In shakespeare s romeo and juliet the audience reader knows that juliet has faked her death but romeo does not and he thinks she is really dead. Examples of irony in literature. Meanwhile the wife sells her beautiful hair so she can buy a watch chain for her husband.
In this sense it is an effective device for writers. Irony can also reveal preconceptions on the part of an audience by challenging their assumptions and expectations. In addition sometimes the irony found in any of these mediums is broader and doesn t fit into any of the specific categories and is instead just general irony. Irony is a very effective literary device.
Verbal irony in a modest proposal. All three forms of irony are used very frequently in literature theater and film. 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. Irony eye run ee is a literary device in which a word or event means something different and often contradictory to its actual meaning at its most fundamental irony is a difference between reality and something s appearance or expectation creating a natural tension when presented in the context of a story.
Examples of irony in literature example 1. Classroom applications and uses. Henry s famous short story the gift of the magi a husband sells his prized watch so that he can buy combs as a gift for his wife. Using specific quotes from the text which highlight the irony.