Irony

Verbal Irony

There are a number of forms of irony. In its simplest definition, irony occurs when what is said is in contradiction with what is meant. This should not be confused with sarcasm. Irony does not have to be as mocking or insulting as sarcasm. Some examples of simple irony common in visual texts are situational irony and dramatic irony.

Situational Irony

Situational irony is often used in comic strips and sketch shows (visual texts). This is a humorous device. The humour arises because the viewer is surprised by a link between images or ideas that seem unlikely or contradictory (the opposite of what one would expect.) The Far Side by Gary Larson and Non-Sequitur (a comic strip that you will find in major newspapers) are examples of cartoons and comic strips that rely on situational irony for their humour. Two examples of situational irony are provided in the animations Situational irony one and Situational irony two.

In both examples there is a difference between what the viewer expects to see and what is presented. In Situational irony one it is unexpected that a sign beneath a sign that asks the passengers not to talk to the bus driver requests that they talk to him. In Situational irony two, the McSkwirks worker is talking about the importance of remaining loyal to the product while eating the rival's product.

Irony of fate

Irony of fate occurs when the outcome of a person's life or endeavours contradicts the person, the person's actions or what they believe in. Refer to the Irony of fate animation.

This is an irony of fate as the fire station was built to save other buildings from burning down.

Again this example is ironic in that there is a contradiction in what the reader/viewer assumes and what occurs. It is this surprise that make it humorous.

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is a form of irony that you will study very closely, particularly when you are studying Shakespearean and other plays. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not. A common example is in thriller films when the audience is aware that the killer is waiting around the corner but the character is unsuspecting. This has the effect of creating tension and suspense. There are two examples of dramatic irony provided as animations. They are Dramatic irony one and Dramatic irony two.

In these animations both the audience and the conspiring characters are aware of what is going to happen while the unsuspecting victim does not.