Final answer:
The term for a perception of inconsistency that humorously alters the significance of a statement or event is irony. Irony is a contrast between expectations and reality often used in literature to provoke thought and add depth to storytelling, while satire specifically critiques social issues more directly through humor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Irony
The term that describes a subtle, sometimes humorous perception of inconsistency in which the significance of a statement or event is changed by its content is irony. Irony occurs when there is a contrast between expectations and reality, and it often includes humor. In literature, irony is used as a rhetorical device to convey a meaning that is opposite or different from the literal meaning. There are various types of irony, including situational irony, where the outcome is opposite to what was expected, and verbal irony, where the speaker's intention is opposite to what is said. Irony can add depth and humor to storytelling, and can prompt readers to think critically about the underlying message of the text.
Satire in Literature
Satire is a literary technique that employs humor, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and highlight human follies. Famous satirical writers, like Jonathan Swift, use satire as a tool to address serious issues through humorous narratives. Unlike irony, which can include a broader range of humorous contrast between expectations and reality, satire is specifically aimed at critiquing social, political, or moral issues. It creates a parallel so close to real-life phenomena that reflection may be needed to grasp its satirical nature.
Satire is different from sarcasm, where the intent is to mock or convey contempt, and from paradox, which is a statement that contradicts itself yet might contain some truth. The choice between using irony, satire, or other forms of humor in literature is critical, as the ultimate goal is to entertain while simultaneously conveying a serious message without distorting it.