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English Literature / Unit 2   ENL 0107 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Irony: Verbal, Situational, Dramatic

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The idea

Cicero called irony saying one thing and meaning another. Verbal irony is a statement whose meaning differs sharply from its words. Situational irony is an outcome opposite to what was expected. Dramatic irony is the audience knowing what a character does not, so the character's words carry a meaning he cannot see.

In practice

Words, events, or knowledge at odds.

Where people slip

Irony is not coincidence.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

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