Homework Question on Irony in Literature
- Topic: Irony in Literature.
- Thesis: Irony is the expression of one meaning or a figure of speech in which words are used in such away that their intended meaning, typically for humorous on emphatic effect.
- There are different types of irony such as dramatic irony, verbal irony, and situational irony.
Homework Answer on Irony in Literature
Introduction
Irony is among the most common terms taught and used in the field of literature. It is quite common in nonfiction and fiction texts. Writers use irony as a way of communicating deeper meanings in both literature and life. In literature, irony entails playing with words so that the words or sentences that they form implies a different meaning from its literal meaning (Abrams & Harpham, 2009). Usually, irony provides a stark contrast of the words or sentences in use.
The context and situation in which such words are placed, and not the words themselves, helps to reveal the real and deeper significance that the writer intends to communicate across. We have three main forms of irony as used in literature and it is important that we are in a position to tell them apart. They are: situational irony, verbal irony, and dramatic irony.
Verbal Irony
Verbal irony involves the use of words whose meaning is in stark contrast to what the individual says they mean, or what they actually imply. In the short story, “Cask of Amontillado”, by Edgar Allen Poe, Montresor, a former acquaintance of Fortunate, is leading him (Fortunato) to his death, unbeknown to him. As Montresor leads Fortunato down the catacombs where he is meant to die, he notices that he has a cold that is getting severe the farther they travel.