It is a figure in which the very opposite of what is stated is intended.In this figure what is intended is the very opposite of the literal meaning of the words used to hurt someone or something.Here we say one thing when we mean another.In this figure ridicule is disguised as praise or complement.Here words outwardly imply commendation but their sneering accent leaves us in no doubt that their intended meaning is really something disparaging.It is strong and effective instrument of attack and it seeks to hurt the character or reputation of a person or thing in an indirect way.
The statement 'Brutus is an honourable man'.(Shakespeare) is an example of irony.Here Antony utters the word honourable' but the very turning tone of his utterance indicates that means just its contrary i.e. dishonourable.
The main characteristics of irony are as follows:
1. Something is said but its contrary is meant.
2. Apparently it implies condemnation but really it wants to hurt.
3. This hurting is done in an indirect way and can be known from the very sneering made of utterance of the words.
No comments:
Post a Comment