What is "irony"?

Irony is identified as a literary device that highlights a contradiction or discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. This can create a deeper understanding of the narrative or elicit emotional responses from the audience. For instance, in literature, irony might manifest through a character who believes they are being clever, only to unwittingly find themselves in an ironic situation, such as planning a surprise party for someone who is already fully aware of it.

By addressing the gap between expectation and reality, irony often enhances themes and can provide a critical commentary on the situations or characters involved. Recognizing irony helps readers engage more fully with the text, as they analyze motives and outcomes that defy straightforward assumptions.