Final answer:
Irony is the literary term used when words convey the opposite of their literal meaning, often different from the author's intent, and is part of figurative language. Irony and connotative meanings of words help in interpreting deeper meanings in literature, adding layers of complexity beyond the explicit text.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning and the difference between what a character or speaker says and what the author intends is known as irony. This literary device allows for a deeper understanding of the text, beyond the explicit meaning of the words.
Irony can often result in an implicated additional layer of meaning which may be unintentionally conveyed by an author and may differ from the author's explicit intent. Notably, irony is part of figurative language, which includes various tools such as metaphors, similes, and personification, used to add complexity and depth to literature.
An example of irony can be found in Shakespeare's work, where a character might say something that the audience understands to be very different from what the character believes to be true. However, we must remember that an author's intentions are often implicit, and readers must interpret what the text conveys without relying solely on the presumed intentions of the author.
Understanding the connotative meanings of words, which are the implied or associated meanings beyond the literal definition, is also essential in grasping the use of irony and figurative language in literature. These connotations can help to clarify the tone and deeper meanings within a text, contributing significantly to its interpretative richness.