Irony is all about contrasts — between what’s said and what’s meant, between what we expect and what actually happens, or between what the audience knows and what the characters actually know in a story. To get a clearer picture of how irony works, let’s dive into its meaning and look at some examples.
Irony definition
Irony happens when there’s a difference between appearance and reality, or between expectation and outcome. It’s a literary device that writers use to add depth and complexity to their work, and it’s also something we might encounter in everyday life. Although irony is similar to sarcasm and satire, it’s not the same.
The three types of irony
Irony can be categorised into three main types: verbal, situational, and dramatic. Let’s explore each particular type below.
1. Verbal irony is when someone says something but means the opposite. It’s often mistaken for sarcasm, but sarcasm is more about mocking or ridiculing. Verbal irony is broader — it’s simply about the mismatch between words and their actual meaning. For instance, if it’s raining heavily outside and someone says, “Lovely weather we’re having,” that’s verbal irony.
2. Situational irony happens when there’s a disparity between what we expect to happen and what actually occurs. A classic example is a fire station catching fire. The expectation is that a fire station would be the last place to burn down, but the reality flips that expectation.
3. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters do not. This creates a layer of tension because we’re waiting for the characters to discover the truth. A well-known example is in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where the audience knows that Juliet isn’t really dead, but Romeo doesn’t, leading to tragic consequences.
Examples of irony in literature
- In The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, Theo holds onto a painting for years, believing it’s his one connection to his mother. Ironically, the painting brings him more trouble and heartache than comfort, challenging his attachment to it.
- In Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, the students at Hailsham are raised with the belief that they are special, only to discover that they are clones whose only purpose is to donate their organs and die young. The devastating irony here is that their “specialness” comes from being clones created solely for the purpose of organ donation. The skills and talents they develop, which would normally signify a bright future, are tragically irrelevant to their fates.
- In The Martian by Andy Weir, Mark Watney is stranded on Mars, and uses his knowledge of botany to survive. The irony lies in the fact that this simple, earthly skill becomes his lifeline on a distant, inhospitable planet.
How to recognise irony
To spot irony, look for situations where there’s a clear contrast between expectation and reality, or between what’s said and what’s meant. In books, pay attention to moments where the audience knows more than the characters — that’s often a clue that you’re dealing with dramatic irony.
The purpose of irony & why writers use it
Irony is a literary device with a variety of uses. While it’s generally linked with sarcasm or criticism, irony can also be used to explore deeper aspects of human experience. It can highlight the difference between expectations and reality, demonstrate the complexities of a situation or characters, and even emphasise unexpected moments of humour, among other things. Let’s take a closer look at how writers use irony and what it may accomplish:
1. Adding depth and complexity
Irony allows writers to add layers of meaning to their narratives. By presenting contrasts between expectations and reality, or between what’s said and what’s meant, writers can explore themes and characters in more nuanced ways. This complexity can make a story more engaging and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to think critically about the content.
2. Creating tension
In genres like mystery, thriller, and drama, irony is often used to build tension. Dramatic irony, for example, keeps the audience on edge by revealing information that the characters do not know. This can lead to a heightened sense of anticipation as readers wait for characters to uncover the truth or face inevitable consequences.
3. Injecting humour
Irony can infuse a narrative with humour, often through verbal or situational irony. When characters find themselves in situations that defy their expectations, or when they say something contrary to what they mean, it can lead to comedic effects. This use of irony helps to lighten the mood or provide a satirical edge to the narrative.
