What is an example of irony in literature?

An example of irony in literature is in O. Henry’s “The Gift of the Magi,” where Jim and Della each sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a gift for the other: Della sells her hair for a chain, and Jim sells his watch for combs.

The situational irony lies in the fact that Jim and Della’s well-intentioned sacrifices make their gifts useless. This irony highlights the idea that the true value of gifts lies in the love and sacrifice they represent.

Frequently asked questions: Rhetoric

What is the difference between irony and satire?: While irony is a technique used in satire, satire is a broad genre that aims to provoke thought and promote change.

Irony involves a contrast between expectation and reality, highlighting discrepancies through situational irony, verbal irony, or dramatic irony.

Satire uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws or vices of individuals, societies, or institutions. It aims to provoke thought and promote change.
What is the predestination paradox?: The predestination paradox is a time-travel concept in which an event is both a cause and an effect of itself.

One classic example of the predestination paradox is from the science fiction film 12 Monkeys. The film’s protagonist, Cole, is sent back in time to gather information about a virus that kills most of humanity. He eventually learns that his own actions in the past contributed to the outbreak of the virus, creating a self-referential loop of cause and effect. By trying to prevent the catastrophe, Cole is causing it.

Other time-travel paradoxes include the grandfather paradox and the bootstrap paradox.

More broadly, a paradox is a saying or scenario that seems logically contradictory or impossible, which upon closer examination reveals a deeper truth or coherence within a specific context or framework.
Is Grammarly free?: Grammarly offers free and paid premium subscriptions. Its free subscription offers limited access to its text correction and enhancement tools.

Read our full Grammarly review.
How do you use cliché in a sentence?: Cliché can be used as a noun or an adjective. (“Clichéd” is more commonly used as the adjective form.)

Noun usage:

The movie was filled with every cliché imaginable.

That phrase has become a tired cliché.

Adjective usage:

The plot was cliché(d) and predictable.

His speech was full of cliché(d) expressions.
What is a synonym for cliché?: Cliché has several synonyms and near-synonyms:

Noun Adjective

banality

bromide

chestnut

commonplace saying

platitude

stereotype

stock phrase

trope
banal

derivative

hackneyed

overused

played out (slang)

stereotypical

tired

trite

Various short sayings can become clichés through overuse but lack the term’s inherent negative connotations. These include adages, aphorisms, catchphrases, idioms, mantras maxims, mottos, proverbs, slogans, and truisms.
How do you spell cliché?: Cliché is spelled with an acute accent mark (é).

Noun spelling: cliché (plural: clichés)

Adjective spelling: clichéd (preferred) or cliché*

*The word cliché can serve as an adjective without modification because of its French origins as the past participle of “cliquer” (to click).
What are some common types of wordplay?: Common types of wordplay include puns, double entendres, paraprosdokians, spoonerisms, and malapropisms.

Puns: Wordplay based on the multiple meanings of words or the similarity of sound between different words (e.g., “I’m a dentist, so I know the drill.”)

Double entendres: Phrases or expressions with two interpretations, one of which is usually somewhat risqué or taboo (e.g., “The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.”)

Paraprosdokians: Sentences or phrases with an unexpected ending or twist, often leading to humor or surprise (e.g., “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”)

Spoonerisms: Errors in speech where corresponding consonants, vowels, or morphemes are switched between two words in a phrase (e.g., “It is kisstomary to cuss the bride.”)

Malapropisms: The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often resulting in nonsensical or humorous statements (e.g., “Texas has a lot of electrical votes.”)

Mondegreens: Misheard or misinterpreted phrases or lyrics, often resulting in humorous or nonsensical meanings (e.g., “Excuse me while I kiss the sky” from the Jimi Hendrix song “Purple Haze” is often misheard as “Excuse me while I kiss this guy.”)
What is an unexpected ending to a sentence called?: A figure of speech involving a sentence with a surprise ending is called a “paraprosdokian.” Other terms include “surprise ending” or “twist.”

Paraprosdokian example: “The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it’s still on my list.”
How do you pronounce “paraprosdokian”?: “Paraprosdokian” is pronounced par-uh-pros-DOH-kee-an.

The word “paraprosdokian” is derived from the Greek for “against expectation.” It describes a figure of speech that establishes an expectation and ends with a surprise twist.
What is the difference between a paradox and an oxymoron?: Paradoxes and oxymorons both involve contradictions, but there is a key difference:

A paradox is a complete statement or scenario that seems self-contradictory but reveals a thought-provoking truth upon further examination (e.g., “The only constant in life is change”).

An oxymoron is a figure of speech consisting of a short phrase that combines contradictory terms for rhetorical effect (e.g., “alone together”).
What is Socratic irony?: Socratic irony is the technique of posing simple questions, as if one were ignorant, to expose the ignorance or flaws in others’ arguments. The irony lies in the fact that by feigning ignorance, you can lead people to reveal their own misunderstandings or contradictions, encouraging deeper reflection and critical thinking. This method is a key part of the Socratic method of teaching and dialogue.

Example: In Plato’s dialogues, Socrates questions Euthyphro about the nature of piety. Socrates pretends not to understand what piety is and asks Euthyphro to explain it. Through a series of questions, Socrates exposes the inconsistencies in Euthyphro’s definitions, showing that Euthyphro does not actually understand the concept as well as he claims.
What is cosmic irony?: Cosmic irony, also known as irony of fate, is a literary device where the universe or fate seems to play a cruel joke by thwarting expectations. It is a type of situational irony that involves characters receiving the opposite of what they expect or deserve, giving the impression of a profound injustice inflicted by fate or a higher power.

Example: In the ancient Greek myth of Oedipus Rex, Oedipus tries to avoid his prophesied fate of killing his father and marrying his mother, but his actions unwittingly lead him to fulfill the prophecy. This irony highlights the impression that cosmic forces shape human destiny in unexpected and often tragic ways.
What is the difference between coincidence and situational irony?: Both coincidence and situational irony can involve unexpected outcomes that evoke surprise. However, the terms differ in their emphasis:

Irony: Emphasizes the contrast between expected outcomes and actual results, often revealing deeper meaning or creating a humorous effect; used deliberately in literature

Coincidence: Highlights the randomness and lack of logical connection or deliberateness in events

The controversy surrounding Alanis Morissette’s song “Isn’t It Ironic?” centers on interpretations of whether the situations described in the song qualify as genuine irony or merely as instances of coincidence or bad luck.
What is tragic irony?: Tragic irony occurs when the audience can foresee the impending downfall of a character, but the character is unaware. It is a type of dramatic irony.

Tragic irony is related to the concept of a tragic flaw, also known as hamartia. A tragic flaw is a character trait, typically one that is positive or noble, which when taken to an extreme leads the protagonist to their downfall.

Tragic irony can highlight the protagonist’s tragic flaw by emphasizing the gap between the character’s self-concept and the reality that the audience perceives.
What is the difference between dramatic and verbal irony?: Both dramatic irony and verbal irony involve a contrast between what is perceived and what is actually true in a narrative. However, there is a key difference:

Dramatic irony involves the audience’s awareness of information that characters lack. It is used to create tension, often emphasizing themes like the cruelty of fate or the folly of deception.

Verbal irony involves a contrast between what is said and what is meant. It is often used for sarcasm, humor, or to add impact to a paradox.
What is an example of dramatic irony in Shakespeare’s Macbeth?: In Shakespeare’s Macbeth the audience knows that Macbeth plans to kill King Duncan to fulfill the witches’ prophecy of his becoming king. However, Duncan and the other characters, aside from Lady Macbeth, are unaware of his plans. This dramatic irony creates tension and suspense as the audience anticipates the unfolding tragedy while other characters remain oblivious to Macbeth’s sinister plans and ambitions.
What is the difference between a malapropism and a pun?: Malapropisms and puns are similar, but they have key differences:

Malapropisms are usually unintentional on the part of the speaker or character. They typically don’t aim to highlight double meanings.

Puns are typically used deliberately. They rely on multiple meanings of the same word (or similar-sounding words) to achieve a double entendre.
What is an example of paradox in literature?: The plot of Joseph Heller’s Catch-22 is a classic example of literary paradox.

The central paradox is that airmen who are considered insane can request to be grounded and thus avoid flying dangerous combat missions. However, airmen who request to be grounded based on safety concerns are not actually insane, having the presence of mind to recognize the danger of their situation. Heller uses this paradox to satirize the circular logic of military bureaucracy.

Heller’s paradoxical narrative is the origin of the term “catch-22,” which describes any situation where contradictory rules or conditions prevent a solution or escape.
What is the purpose of a paradox?: Paradoxes can serve several purposes:

In literature and rhetoric, paradoxes can be used as rhetorical or plot devices. They can add humor, provoke philosophical thought, or express critique through satire.

Example: “Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.” (Oscar Wilde, De Profundis)

In logic and other branches of philosophy, paradoxes highlight flaws or contradictions in currently accepted definitions and systems, demonstrating the need for further inquiry.

Example: If you keep removing grains of sand from a heap, at what point does it stop being a heap? (This problem is referred to as the “paradox of the heap,” or the “sorites paradox”).

In everyday aphorisms, paradoxes are used to express philosophical insights and practical wisdom in a memorable and sometimes humorous way.

Example: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
What is a famous play on words example in literature?: A famous literary play on words can be found in William Shakespeare’s Richard III:

“Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York.”

This line blends metaphor with wordplay, using a pun on “son” and “sun” to depict Richard, son of the House of York, as the force that ends winter’s troubles.
What is an example of play on words?: An example of a play on words is the joke “He had a photographic memory but never developed it.” The word “developed” can refer to developing skills or developing photographs.

This particular form of wordplay is called a pun, creating humor using words or phrases with multiple meanings.
What is the purpose of a play on words?: A play on words can serve several purposes in written and spoken communication.

Purposes of wordplay include:

humor

irony

subtlety

emphasis

creativity

engagement

persuasion
What is the difference between verbal irony and Socratic irony?: Verbal irony involves saying one thing but meaning the opposite, while Socratic irony involves feigning ignorance to provoke critical thinking in others.

Verbal irony example: A person arrives late to a meeting, and someone says, “Well, look who decided to join us!”

Socratic irony example: In a classroom discussion, a teacher asks seemingly naive questions to lead students to reconsider their assumptions or explore complex concepts further.
What are some examples of verbal irony in “The Cask of Amontillado”?: In Poe’s short story “The Cask of Amontillado,” he uses verbal irony to create tension and dark humor.

For example, Montresor offers Fortunato wine, saying, “It will help to keep us warm.” This statement is ironic because Montresor is leading Fortunato to a cold, damp catacomb, where he plans to kill him. Later, Fortunado says, “I drink to the dead who lie sleeping
around us.” Montresor responds, “And I, Fortunato—I drink to your long life,” though he means the opposite.

The verbal irony in “The Cask of Amontillado” complements the story’s dramatic irony, building tension for the reader, who is aware of Montresor’s true intentions.
What is an example of a double entendre?: A classic example of a double entendre is Michael Scott’s “That’s what she said” jokes in the TV show The Office. Michael uses this phrase to humorously imply a secondary, suggestive meaning to an otherwise innocent statement. This play on words contributed to the eccentricity of Michael Scott’s persona while adding a humorous twist to the show’s dialogue.
What is a triple entendre?: A triple entendre is a play on words with three interpretations based on the use of words with shared sounds or spellings. Triple entendres often have at least one taboo or risqué interpretation. The name “triple entendre” is based on the name of a more common rhetorical device, “double entendre” (originally from the French for “double meaning”).

An example of a triple entendre can be found in the song “Hotel California” by the Eagles. The line “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave” has at least three possible interpretations:

A person can literally “check out” of Hotel California.

A person can “check out” in the sense of mentally escaping reality through substance abuse.

A person might think they can quit (similar to “check out”) anytime they like when suffering from an addiction.
What is the opposite of irony?: The opposite of verbal irony is straightforwardness—expressing one’s intended meaning directly without any hint of a hidden meaning. “Literalness” or “directness” also express the opposite of “irony.” The word “sincerity” is another antonym for “irony,” emphasizing that the speaker lacks any sarcastic or sardonic intent.
What does no pun intended mean?: “No pun intended” is a common expression used to highlight a pun while ostensibly claiming that the pun was unintentional. This phrase is often used humorously to call attention to a pun that the speaker recognizes is cliché and likely to elicit a groan. However, in some cases the phrase is used sincerely, indicating that the speaker did not notice the pun until after it was spoken.
What is the difference between a double entendre and a pun?: Puns and double entendres both involve double meanings, but there is a key difference:

A pun is any play on words that involves multiple meanings of the same word or phrase.

A double entendre is a specific type of pun that has a slightly indecent (typically sexual) connotation.
What is a portmanteau for air pollution?: “Smog” is a portmanteau of “smoke” and “fog” used to describe the visible air pollution often found in urban areas. The term “smog” was coined by a London resident in 1905 and gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution as cities experienced increased emissions from factories and vehicles. This illustrates the role of neologisms such as portmanteaus in marking societal changes.
What is the difference between a compound word and a portmanteau?: Compound words and portmanteaus are both formed by joining multiple words, but there are a few differences between the two:

Compound words retain all the letters from both original words and don’t always express meanings from both words (e.g., butter + fly = butterfly). A compound word is treated as a distinct word with its own dictionary entry.

Portmanteaus omit letters from the original words (e.g., Spanish + English = Spanglish) to combine the original words’ sounds and meanings. Portmanteaus are often treated as casual or informal, though some become widely accepted and have their own dictionary entries.
What is the difference between a malapropism and a spoonerism?: Malapropisms and spoonerisms are both humorous linguistic errors and literary devices. However, there is a key difference:

Malapropisms confuse similar-sounding words.

Spoonerisms mix up the initial sounds of multiple words within a phrase.

For example, “You have tasted two whole worms” (meaning “You have wasted two whole terms”) is a classic spoonerism from a 1911 issue of The Strand Magazine.

Noun	Adjective
banality bromide chestnut commonplace saying platitude stereotype stock phrase trope	banal derivative hackneyed overused played out (slang) stereotypical tired trite

Questions?

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem. We are always here for you.

Frequently asked questions

See all

How does Scribbr help students graduate?: Our team helps students graduate by offering:

A world-class citation generator

Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin

Innovative Citation Checker software

Professional proofreading services

Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more
What type of documents does Scribbr proofread?: Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents. We proofread:

Essays

Papers

Theses

PhD dissertations

Research proposals

Personal statements

Admission essays

Motivation letters

Reports

Reflection papers

Journal articles

Capstone projects
What plagiarism and AI detection software does Scribbr use?: Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker, namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases.

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.
Which citation software does Scribbr use?: The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js. It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github.