key term - Irony

Definition

Irony is a literary device that involves a contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting discrepancies between what is said and what is meant, or what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. This element creates a deeper layer of meaning and can provoke thought or humor, making it an essential tool in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Irony often serves to critique social norms, revealing contradictions in societal expectations and realities, especially related to gender roles and women's positions in society.
2. In literature, authors like Shaw utilize irony to expose flaws in social conventions and provoke reflection on issues such as class and morality.
3. Irony can manifest through dialogue, plot twists, or character actions, providing layers of meaning that enrich the narrative and engage readers.
4. Postmodern literature frequently employs irony to challenge established narratives and truths, emphasizing ambiguity and complexity in understanding reality.
5. In poetry, Auden's use of irony allows him to comment on political and social issues, often contrasting idealism with the harshness of reality.

Review Questions

• How does irony function as a tool for critiquing gender roles in Victorian society?
  • Irony serves as a powerful critique of gender roles in Victorian society by revealing the contradictions between societal expectations and the lived experiences of women. For instance, while women were expected to embody purity and submissiveness, ironic situations often expose their strength, intelligence, and agency. This contrast not only highlights the absurdities of these expectations but also encourages readers to question the rigid gender norms that defined the era.
• Discuss how Shaw uses irony to convey his social criticism in his works.
  • Shaw employs irony as a means of social criticism by juxtaposing characters' beliefs with their actions or outcomes. This technique allows him to highlight the hypocrisy prevalent in societal norms and moral standards. For example, a character may express noble ideals but act in self-serving ways, showcasing the disconnect between societal expectations and reality. Through this ironic lens, Shaw invites audiences to reevaluate their own values and assumptions about class and morality.
• Evaluate how irony contributes to the complexity of themes in postmodern literature compared to traditional narratives.
  • In postmodern literature, irony adds complexity by subverting traditional narrative structures and challenging established truths. Authors often use irony to blur the lines between reality and fiction, leading readers to question their perceptions of authenticity. Unlike traditional narratives that typically resolve conflicts and provide clear moral lessons, postmodern works employ irony to emphasize ambiguity and contradiction. This encourages readers to engage critically with the text, reflecting on the multiple layers of meaning that arise from ironic contrasts.

Related terms

sarcasm: A form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they really mean, often used for mocking or conveying contempt.

situational irony: A situation where the outcome is significantly different from what was expected, creating a surprising twist.

dramatic irony: A situation in which the audience knows more about the events than the characters do, creating tension or humor.