Irony

Irony is one of those words that people use, but many cannot seem to define it or explain it. Have you ever heard someone say, "Well, that is ironic!"? Or, maybe you have heard, "Oh, the irony!" But, WHAT is irony? In this topic, you will examine the concept of irony as it relates to literature. You will read the short story "The Interlopers" by Saki, a masterful tale about feuds, friendship, and fear. As with many thrilling stories, irony is used throughout the story to add to the overall effect.

Essential Questions

  • What is irony, and what are the different types of irony?
  • What is the purpose of irony?