The key differences between dramatic irony and verbal irony are as follows:
-
Dramatic Irony: This occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not. This creates a contrast between the character's expectations and the reality that the audience is aware of. For example, in a play, the audience may know that a character's friend is actually plotting against them, while the character believes they are safe and secure.
-
Verbal Irony: This is when a speaker says the opposite of what they mean, often for humorous or emphatic effect. For instance, if someone looks out into a storm and says, "What lovely weather we're having," they are using verbal irony because they are clearly stating the opposite of the reality.
In summary, the main distinction is that dramatic irony involves the audience's awareness of a truth that characters do not grasp, while verbal irony revolves around the discrepancy between what is said and what is actually meant by the speaker.