What is irony?
A literary technique involving a contradiction or incongruity between expectation and reality.
Irony - Expect the Unexpected
Irony is not just a literary technique, it's a whole mood. When something unexpected happens in a piece of writing, our first reaction is usually one of surprise. But when that surprise is caused by something that contradicts what we thought we knew, it's ironic.
There are three main types of irony in literature: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Verbal irony is when someone says one thing but means another, like when someone says 'Nice weather we're having' on a rainy day. Situational irony is when something happens that's the opposite of what we expected, like a firefighter's house burning down. Dramatic irony is when the reader knows something that the character doesn't, like in a horror movie when the audience knows the killer is hiding in the closet but the protagonist doesn't.
Irony is a powerful tool for writers because it can convey multiple layers of meaning. It can be used to reveal character, challenge assumptions, and create tension between the reader's expectations and what actually happens. Irony isn't always easy to pull off, though. If it's too obvious, it can seem preachy or heavy-handed. If it's too subtle, it can be missed altogether. But when done well, irony can make a story unforgettable.
Irony is a powerful literary tool, but it can be difficult to use effectively. Here are two examples of how authors have used irony in their writing.
In this satirical essay, Swift proposes that the solution to Ireland's poverty problem is for the poor to sell their children as food for the wealthy. The irony is that Swift doesn't actually advocate for this solution; rather, he's highlighting the absurdity of the situation and criticizing the wealthy for their indifference to the plight of the poor.
In this short story, a couple gives up what they hold most dear in order to buy each other Christmas gifts. The irony is that their gifts are rendered useless by their sacrifices, but their love for each other is strengthened. This bittersweet ending resonates with readers because it subverts our expectations of what a 'happy ending' should be.