Irony and Ambiguity

1. Irony and Ambiguity

2. Isn’t it IRONIC? • Irony: The use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning

3. 3 Types of Irony • Verbal Irony • Dramatic Irony • Situational Irony

4. Verbal Irony: Meaning Something Else • Saying one thing, but meaning another. • Example: In seeing that its raining outside, your P.E. teacher saying, “A great day to run outside!”

5. Dramatic Irony: Withholding Knowledge • “When the audience knows what is in store for a character, but the character does not know. • Interesting because it mimics life, its always surprising! • Example: Little Red Riding Hood – When she walks to Grandmother’s house, the audience knows the wolf is waiting for her!OR Titanic we know the boat sinks, the characters don’t!

6. Situational Irony:Reversing Expectations • An occasion in which the outcome is significantly different from what was expected or considered appropriate • Example: The Sixth Sense – The fact Bruce Willis’ character is dead.

7. Reverse Dramatic IronyWithholding Information • Occurs when the characters know information that the audience is unaware of.

8. Ambiguity:Multiple Meanings • Doubtfulness or uncertainty of meaning or intention • Offers a choice of more than one meaning or intention • Keeps us guessing and the point is to make the audience figure out our own interpretation