What is irony?

Most writers will agree that irony is one of the most fun, entertaining, and interesting literary devices to use in writing, yet quite hard to grasp. Some writers may also find it hard to tell the difference between sarcasm and irony. I would not blame you because there is a very thin but fine line between sarcasm and irony. There are a lot of definitions given for irony, all varying in their degree of validity. Henry Watson Fowler (in the King’s English) insists that any definition of irony must include, “The surface meaning and the underlying meaning of what is said are not the same.” Eric Partridge (in Usage and Abusage) says that “Irony consists in stating the contrary of what is meant.” What is irony then?

The definition of Irony

Irony is a rhetorical device, literary device or technique, or event in which what appears to be the case on the surface differs from the actual case. In irony, what happens turns out to be completely different from the actual expectations.

The word irony traces its roots from the Latin ironia and the Greek eirŌneia, which means dissimulation or feigned ignorance.

The Difference between Irony and Sarcasm

Irony and sarcasm bear a strong resemblance so that, to some extent, it is almost hard to tell them apart, although there is a slight difference between the two. You will be surprised to know how significant the difference between the two is. Let’s briefly define sarcasm to get you started. Sarcasm refers to the scathing use of irony, in which humorously and mockingly, words are used to communicate the opposite of their surface meaning.

For example:

Assuming it’s cold and raining outside, it will be ironic of you to say, “Lovely weather out today.”

Assuming it’s cold and raining outside and you and your friend take shelter in a cafe, and you have a terrible cold and a sore throat. It will be ironic for your friend to order an ice-cold drink for you.

Assuming you are outside, it is raining and your friend takes out a small umbrella that can’t even cover him from the rain. It will be sarcastic of you to say, “That’s an excellent choice for an umbrella.”

Assuming it’s cold and raining outside and you and your friend take shelter in a cafe, and you have a terrible cold and a sore throat. Your friend orders an ice-cold drink for you. It will be sarcastic of you to say, “What a great choice for a drink.”

You realize that sarcasm is mostly used verbally, unlike irony which can be applied both verbally and in situations. Unlike irony, sarcasm is not considered a literary device.

The main examples of Irony

Verbal irony (used in statements or verbally)

Situational irony (refers to irony as a literary technique in which an anticipated outcome does not happen)

Dramatic irony (refers to irony in speeches or a situation of a drama which is understood by the audience but unknown to the characters in the play)

Other examples of irony include

Classical irony

Romantic irony

Cosmic irony

Meta irony

The uses of irony

A plot device

You can use irony to create your plot. Irony can be a powerful plot device that will keep your readers hooked to your book. A famous example of the use of irony in the plot is from The Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum): The characters don’t know that they already have what they are asking for from the wizard.

A method of reveal

You can use irony in your story as a method of reveal. In this case, all three types of irony can come in handy.

Sources

https://www.litcharts.com/literary-devices-and-terms/irony
https://blog.reedsy.com/what-is-irony
https://www.supersummary.com/irony
www.wise-geek.com/what-are-the-different-uses-of-irony.htm