Irony is a literary or rhetorical device, involving a contradiction between what is expected and what actually occurs. This often results in a humorous or unexpected twist. It can be found in various forms, including situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony.
Situational irony occurs when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what is expected. For example, a fire station burning down, or a lifeguard drowning in the pool.
Verbal irony is when someone says something, but means the opposite, or something different. It often involves sarcasm, such as the words “Oh, great!” being uttered when something bad happens.
Another example could be “I love waiting in long lines,” said with heavy sarcasm while standing in a queue.
Dramatic irony occurs when, for example, the audience knows something that the characters in the story do not. In a horror film, the audience may be aware that the killer is hiding in the wardrobe, but the character opens it unknowingly.
In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is not dead, but Romeo doesn’t, leading to tragic consequences.
Irony is amusing because it often involves unexpected twists or contradictions, highlighting the gap between expectation and reality. It can add depth and complexity to storytelling, provoke thought, and evoke laughter or surprise in the audience.
In each of the following examples of irony, there is a contradiction between what is expected of someone in a particular role, and their actual behaviour or circumstances:
If a personal trainer, who is responsible for promoting health and fitness, is obviously overweight and unfit.
A doctor who smokes while being expected to advise against smoking owing to its harmful effects on health.
It is ironic when a teacher who teaches grammar and language skills consistently makes spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors.
When someone claims to be passionate about protecting the environment, but is frequently seen littering or not recycling.
If a lawyer who specialises in helping others navigate financial difficulties, ends up facing bankruptcy themself.