Irony Definition English Literature
As a literary device irony is often misunderstood.
Irony definition english literature. Here are some examples of irony and how it adds to the significance of well known literary works. Irony can also reveal preconceptions on the part of an audience by challenging their assumptions and expectations. Examples of irony in literature. 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.
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. Verbal irony in a modest proposal. In this sense it is an effective device for writers. Irony can be categorized into different types including verbal irony dramatic irony and situational irony.
But when deployed with skill irony is a powerful tool that adds depth and substance to a piece of writing.