Irony is a literary technique that shows the contrast between expectations and reality. It involves a situation or statement where the outcome is significantly different from what was anticipated. There are several types of irony, including:
- Verbal Irony – When a speaker says one thing but means another, often the opposite.
- Situational Irony – When there is a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.
- Dramatic Irony – When the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, creating a contrast between their understanding and that of the characters.
Irony creates a heightened effect by highlighting contradictions and can evoke humor, surprise, or critical insights.