Irony in a literary work primarily serves to create a disconnect between expectations and reality, often leading to a deeper understanding of the themes and characters involved. From the options provided, the most appropriate role of irony is:
It creates a disconnect in the reader between what is happening in the story and what occurs in daily life.
This use of irony can enhance the reader's engagement with the text by prompting them to reflect on the contrasts between the narrative and real-world experiences.