Types of Irony

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What is irony?

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Irony is a literary device where the intended meaning is different from the actual meaning, often highlighting a contrast between expectations and reality.

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What are the three main types of irony?

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The three main types of irony are situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony.

Front

Define situational irony.

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Situational irony occurs when there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

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Provide an example of situational irony.

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An example of situational irony is a fire station burning down.

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Define verbal irony.

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Verbal irony is when a speaker says one thing but means another, often using sarcasm.

Front

Provide an example of verbal irony.

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An example of verbal irony is saying 'Great weather we're having!' during a storm.

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Define dramatic irony.

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Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating a contrast between the character's understanding and the reality.

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Provide an example of dramatic irony.

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An example of dramatic irony is in Romeo and Juliet, where the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo believes she is dead.

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How does situational irony enhance storytelling?

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Situational irony enhances storytelling by creating unexpected twists that can provoke thought, humor, or emotional responses.

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How does verbal irony differ from sarcasm?

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While all sarcasm is verbal irony, not all verbal irony is sarcasm; sarcasm is often intended to mock or convey contempt.