ICSE Class 10 Answered

Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. The meaning of irony is the difference between appearance and reality.

When we define irony, we distinguish two basic types: (1) verbal irony, and (2) situational irony. Verbal irony involves what one does not mean. A classic example of irony is when responding to a foolish idea, we say, “What a great idea!” This is verbal irony. Another example of irony is situational irony, for instance, if a man is laughing at the misfortune of another, even when the same misfortune is, unbeknownst to him, befalling him.

Common Examples of Irony

1. I posted a video on YouTube on how boring and useless YouTube is.
2. The name of their biggest dog was “Tiny.”
3. He took a much-needed vacation, backpacking in the mountains. Unfortunately, he came back dead tired.
4. The new manager is as friendly as a rattlesnake.

The Gift of the Magi (By W.H. Auden)

This is an example of situational irony, in which the wife sells her most prized possession – her hair – to get her husband a Christmas present; and the husband sells his most cherished possession – the gold watch – to get his wife a Christmas present. By the end, it is revealed that neither has the utility of the present bought by the other, as both sell their best things to give the other one a gift. Combs, the gift for the wife, is useless because she has sold her hair. The gold watch chain, the gift for the husband, is useless because he has sold the watch to get the combs. The situation becomes ironic for such an incident.