Literature courses across the world introduce students to a plethora of literary devices and forms of figurative language. Some of these tools are understood as if they were innate and others require much more thought to grasp. One of the most misunderstood literary devices is irony. The simplest way to define irony involves looking at how things appear and the actual state of reality. For example, if someone tells you that the weather is beautiful outside when a tsunami is about to make contact with your home, this is an extreme form of irony. Students often use irony in the verbal, situational, and dramatic sense.
Understanding Verbal Irony
Sarcasm is the most common form of verbal irony. An example above is a form of verbal irony because the weather cannot be considered beautiful, but you heard this word regardless. The existence of incredibly dirty places like dorm rooms creates the perfect opportunity for sarcasm. If you have a young adult who is in college, it is likely that the dorm room they are staying in is not the cleanest environment. Imagine dishes all over the place; dirty laundry covers the top of the TV, and pizza boxes from three weeks ago act as tiles on the floor. When you finally arrive for your visit and the room looks atrocious, you can say “this is the cleanest room I have ever seen!”
Understanding Situational Irony
Situational irony is present when an author or director builds toward an expected outcome, and the complete opposite scenario occurs. Surprise endings in movies are typical examples of situational irony. Throughout the duration of a film, you are most likely expecting a particular end due to previous events. However, the director has a different objective and completely flips the script right before the credits roll. The Usual Suspects is a classic example of displaying situational irony at the end of a film. The ending will not be given away, but prepare to see mugs drop and corrected footsteps when this ending reveals itself to the audience.
Understanding Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony can be the most potent form of irony in literature. This form of irony provides the audience with more information than the actual characters at specific times. Since you are already aware of something ahead of time, a feeling of dread may consume you as you flip through the remaining pages of a book. If you have not seen it, The Departed is a film where dramatic irony is prevalent throughout the entire story. The director masterfully places tiny bits of information in your hand at the perfect time. It all leads to a cataclysmic finish that no one can see coming. There are countless examples of dramatic irony in both literature and film that can present themselves on repeat readings or viewings.
Once understood, irony can enhance your pleasure of particular mediums of entertainment. Literary devices as a whole provide so much value to life. The next time it is raining outside, make sure to thank the world for the lovely weather you are having.