Final answer:
Irony in literature refers to the contrast between appearances and underlying truths, with three main types: dramatic irony (audience knows more than characters), situational irony (outcome opposite to what is expected), and verbal irony (what is said is opposite to what is meant).
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Irony in Literature
Irony is a literary device used to create a contrast between how things seem and how they really are beneath the surface. There are three primary types of irony used in language and literature: dramatic irony, situational irony, and verbal irony.
Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation or a character's intentions than the characters within the story do. This can create tension or humor. For example, in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows that Juliet is not really dead, but Romeo does not, leading to tragic consequences.
Situational Irony
Situational irony is when the opposite of what is expected occurs. A classic example is O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," where a husband sells his watch to buy combs for his wife's hair, while the wife sells her hair to buy a chain for her husband's watch.
Verbal Irony
Verbal irony happens when what is said is the opposite of what is meant. Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony. For instance, after a disastrous day, one might say, "Well, that was just perfect," despite the day being anything but perfect.