The Truth About The Existence Of Irony - Chapter 26

After reading chapter 26 of the book "How To Read Literature Like A College Professor" - Thomas C. Foster , I'd say that I have a different view on the true definition of irony. Before reading the chapter I was under the impression that irony is the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. That's also Webster's definition. With this being true, Foster uses this chapter to elaborate on the meaning of irony in deeper detail. 

 

Now, It's understood that irony is the unexpected!

I read an article that described irony as something that

occurs when something other than what is expected occurs. That's the perfect way to describe what Foster described it as. It isn’t a "surprise" but

a way an author can turn expectations upside down in order to make a point.


Things that I knew about irony before reading :
1. Irony doesn’t work for everyone.
2. It's difficult to recognize it.
3. The concept of irony is often misused
4. Often mistaken for coincidence, which is a sequence of events that, although accidental, seems to have been planned or arranged (defined by Google).


Things that I learned from the chapter:
1. Irony is a deflection from the readers’ expectations and it forces our expectations to work against us
2. There are several different types off irony. In the chapter he mentioned comic, tragic,  wry, and/or perplexing ,which (in his words)  provides additional richness to the literary dish.
3. Nearly all writers employ irony sometimes
4. Verbal irony (character says opposite of what is expected)
Situational irony/Structural irony (situation or event plays out in an opposite or
abnormal way- not like expected)

He made it clear that "irony trumps everything" and the only way to know is to listen.

I like that he used several examples to help better understand. I also admire the cross comparing of the many different analysis and books that he used to prove his point and bring attention to the unnoticed.

The most important thing that I took from the chapter is that irony means many things, but what you take from it and what you want it to mean is the thing that's not. In other word's it's the complete opposite of what you thought it would be.