Irony Figure of Speech: Definition, Types, & Examples

What Is Figure of Speech - Irony?

A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a non-literal way to enhance expression and create a specific effect. These devices make the language more vivid, imaginative, and impactful in comparison to the standard use of words and language. A few common examples include irony, metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole.

The figure of speech irony is a literary technique and rhetorical device that is used to convey and express a meaning that is the reverse of its literal meaning. Besides, irony occurs when events or words are the opposite of what is expected, creating a sense of surprise, humor, or deeper meaning in literature, rhetoric, and everyday situations. Basically, a clear contrast in sentences between what is expected or intended and what actually happens or is expressed is known as irony.

Irony plays an essential role in enhancing and enriching narratives, conveying complex ideas, and engaging audiences. Just by adding such phrases, you can fill the gap between reality and expectations, especially when such a gap is created for dramatic or humorous effect.

Definition of Irony

Here are a few definitions of the term Irony figure of speech definition as per different dictionaries.

• According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, irony is the use of words to express something other than, and especially the opposite of it.
• The Cambridge Dictionary, irony figure of speech definition is “as a situation in which something which was intended to have a particular result has the opposite or a very different result”.
• The Collins Dictionary, describes irony as a subtle form of humour that involves saying things that you do not mean.
• The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, defines irony as the use of words that say the opposite of what you really mean, often as a joke and with a tone of voice that shows this.

The definition of irony in figure of speech is clear, but are you aware of the types of irony? Read on to understand the different types of irony along with their examples.

Different Types of Irony Along with Examples

There are three different types of irony. Let us look at the explanation of these three common kinds of irony in figure of speech, along with their examples.

• Situational irony is used to show the contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. It involves an unexpected twist or surprise. For example, A fire station burning down is a classic example of situational irony, as it's unexpected for a place designed to prevent fires to be a victim of one.
• Dramatic irony is when the audience or reader knows something that the characters do not. This creates suspense in the story and depicts the characters' heightened emotions. For example, in Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is only asleep, not dead, but Romeo doesn't know this, which leads to his tragic suicide.
• Verbal irony can display a character's sparkling wit. It involves a speaker saying one thing but meaning the opposite. It is often used for sarcasm, humor, or to emphasize a point. For example: ‘I love being stuck in traffic.’ The speaker is not enjoying the traffic and is frustrated.

Why Use Irony?

Irony is a tool that can be used for many different purposes. Thus, there are several reasons to use irony in writing. It could be used to make comparisons, indicate similarities, and also create a humorous effect. Let us look at a few reasons to use irony.

• Itemphasizes a point or a tragedy, indicating a noticeable change in the character or plot.
• Irony makes the readers pause for a second and think about what the author is actually trying to convey.
• Irony can be used to create a humorous effect by making situations seem amusing or absurd.
• Creates a contrast between what is said and what is actually meant, or between what is expected to happen and what actually does.
• It is a powerful tool for criticism or satire, allowing the writer to express disapproval in a humorous way.

Basically, irony is used to lighten the mood, reveal hidden truths, expose flaws, highlight the absurd, and create a sense of dramatic tension. Moreover, it delivers the meaning in a humorous or profound manner, filling the gap between the way things appear and how they actually are.

Examples of Irony from Movies

Here are some notable irony figure of speech examples from movies depicting dramatic, situational, and verbal irony.

1. Dramatic Irony Examples

• Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The audience knows the evil stepmother, disguised as an old lady, is giving Snow White a poisoned apple, but Snow White is unaware.
• Jaws: The audience is aware of the shark’s presence and threat before the victims realize it.
• Beauty and the Beast: The audience knows the Beast is really a prince, but Belle does not.

2. Situational Irony Examples

• Harry Potter: Harry is expected to kill Voldemort, but ironically must let Voldemort kill him.
• Aladdin: Aladdin wishes to be rich to marry Jasmine, but Jasmine is actually repulsed by his riches.
• Monsters Inc.: The company’s job is to scare children, but the monsters themselves are afraid of the children.

3. Verbal Irony Examples

• Beauty and the Beast: Belle tells Gaston, “I really don’t deserve you,” meaning was quite the opposite.
• Frozen: Olaf calls a giant snow monster “Marshmallow,” which is ironic given the monster’s size and fierceness.
• Finding Nemo: Marlin uses verbal irony in conversations with Dory, such as calling her his conscience in a sarcastic way.

These irony figure of speech examples demonstrate how irony enhances storytelling by creating humor, suspense, or emotional depth. It offers contrasts between appearance and reality, or expectation and outcome. This makes the audience aware of hidden truths or unexpected twists in the story.

Conclusion

To wrap up, the blog covered everything about irony figure of speech definition, and examples for your reference. It also covers the different types of irony - situational, dramatic, and verbal, along with their examples from movies for a better understanding. In addition to that, the uses and definitions of irony are also provided in the write-up. Besides, you may seek expert help from Gradding.com to prepare this particular topic in detail.

FAQs

1. What Is the Difference between Irony and Sarcasm?

Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality. However, sarcasm is a specific type of verbal irony that conveys mockery by saying the opposite of what one means. Sarcasm is often used to criticize, mock, or express frustration. While all sarcasm is verbal irony, not all verbal irony is sarcastic.

2. What Are the Types of Irony?

There are primarily three types of irony: dramatic, situational, and verbal. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters do not. Situational irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens, and verbal irony is when a person says one thing but means the opposite.

3. What Are the Features of Irony?

Irony is a situation where there is a contrast between reality and expectations. It occurs when events or words are the opposite of what is expected, creating a sense of surprise, humor, or deeper meaning.

4. Give Examples of Irony from Literature.

Have a look at the following examples of the three types of irony from literature.

• Animal Farm by George Orwell: The animals overthrow their human oppressors to gain freedom, but end up under the even stricter rule of the pigs, the very outcome they sought to escape.
• Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare: The audience knows Juliet is not dead, but Romeo does not, leading to the tragic double suicide.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy initially says of Elizabeth Bennet, “She is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me,” yet he later falls deeply in love and marries her. His words are the opposite of his eventual feelings and actions.