Definition and example of verbal, dramatic, and cosmic irony.

1. G-EN270 INTRO TO FICTION
The Elements of Fiction
Point of View :: Irony

2. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION
AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN
Irony ::
Discrepancies between what is said
and what we are to accept as truth

3. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION
AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN
Verbal irony ::
A rhetorical device in which the author
(or character) says one thing and
means another

4. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION
AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN
Verbal irony :: Example
“Mother, did I ever tell you? I am
lucky!”

5. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION
AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN
Dramatic irony ::
A device of plot in which the reader or
audience knows more than the
character does

6. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION
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Dramatic irony :: Example
“[Julian] could see [his mother] with
absolute clarity….She lived according
to the laws of her own fantasy world
outside of which he had never seen
her set foot.”

7. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION
AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN
Cosmic irony ::
An all-encompassing attitude toward
life, which takes into account the
contradictions inherent in the human
condition

8. G-EN270 INTRO TO ICTION
AR340 WEB-BASEDFDESIGN
Cosmic irony :: Example
Lawrence’s attitude in “The Rocking-
Horse Winner” is a perfect example:
the money that we ceaselessly pursue,
the wealth that worship and that
defines us a lucky winners is what
turns us to stone, leaving us loveless
and lifeless.