What is ironic?

Irony is a literary device in which words are used to convey a meaning that is opposite or different from the literal meaning. It often involves a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually happens. There are three main types of irony: verbal, situational, and dramatic.

Verbal irony is when a person says something but means the opposite. For example, saying “What a beautiful day” when it’s raining outside is an example of verbal irony.

Situational irony is when the opposite of what is intended or expected happens. For example, a fire station burning down is an example of situational irony.

Dramatic irony is when the audience knows something that the characters in the story do not. For example, in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is not really dead but Romeo does not, leading to tragic consequences.

Irony can be used for comedic effect or to make a point about society or human nature. It is often used in literature, poetry, and other forms of storytelling.