Irony

presentation

Irony

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Chapter Two)

Lesson Standards

• 8.1(A)
• 8.1(D)
• 8.5(F)
• 8.6(A)
• 8.6(E)
• 8.6(G)
• 8.9(E)

Language Objective

Language Objective

I will be able to identify, analyze, and explain instances of irony in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain, distinguishing between verbal, situational, and dramatic irony.

Learning Intention

Learning Intention

To understand the concept of irony and its significance in literature.

Success Criteria

Success Criteria

Students will accurately identify examples of verbal, situational, and dramatic irony in literary texts. Students will analyze the effect of irony on the meaning and tone of a literary work.

Do Now:

• Watch the video showing examples of irony.
• Write your initial thoughts or reactions in the chat!

Define

Irony is the contrast between what is said and what is meant or what is expected and what actually happens. Verbal irony occurs when a person says one thing and means another--for example, saying “What a beautiful day!” when it is raining. Sarcasm is similar to verbal irony, except it contains a criticism, such as saying “Nice guy!” about someone who is rude to others. In addition to verbal irony, a text may contain situational irony or dramatic irony. Situational irony occurs when the outcome of a situation is the opposite of what was expected, as in the famous fable where a slow turtle wins the race against a fast rabbit. In dramatic irony, the reader or the audience knows important information that the characters do not know. Dramatic irony can create a humorous situation or a suspenseful scene.

Vocabulary

dramatic irony noun irony that occurs in a situation in which the reader or the audience knows important information that the characters do not know

irony noun the contrast between what is said and what is meant or what is expected and what actually happens

Vocabulary

sarcasm noun a verbal expression that says one thing but means another with the intention to criticize someone or something

situational irony noun irony that occurs in a situation in which the outcome is the opposite of what was expected

Vocabulary

verbal irony noun a verbal expression that says one thing but means another

Model

Identification and Application:To identify irony in literature, note the following:

• events, descriptions, or dialogue that seem humorous or suspenseful
• statements that say one thing but seem to mean the opposite
• situations in which the outcome is opposite of what was expected
• events in which you as the reader know important information that the characters do not know

Analyze the use of irony, using the following questions as a guide:

• What type of irony does the author use?
• How does the use of irony characterize individuals in a story?
• How does the use of irony contribute to the mood? Does the ironic description or situation make you laugh? Does it make you feel suspense?
• How does the use of irony influence the story’s plot?
• How does the use of irony contribute to the overall theme?

Model

In Chapter Two of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Tom has to whitewash a fence on a day he had planned to have fun. He comes up with an idea to turn this situation to his advantage. Noticing the contrast between what is said and the real truth of the matter can help you appreciate the humor and irony in the scene. Let’s look at how one reader identifies and analyzes irony in the beginning of the chapter:

Tom ignores Ben and works hard. I know Tom doesn’t want to be painting and does want the apple, but his actions suggest the complete opposite. I think this is situational irony. It makes me want to know what happens next.

Model

In the text, the reader highlights details that suggests a contrast between how Tom is acting and what he is thinking. She identifies important information that she as a reader knows, and that Tom’s behavior is unexpected, and notes the suspenseful effect of this contrast. She continues reading the chapter and analyzes another example of irony.

This is ironic because Tom’s behavior is not what a reader expects when Tom first gets the chore. Since the reader knows Tom’s plan, but Ben doesn’t, there is dramatic irony, and it’s funny to see how Ben reacts.

She identifies irony in Tom’s behavior, since the outcome of that work situation is the opposite of what was expected. She also notes dramatic irony, since readers know what Ben does not know: that Tom has a plan to make Ben think that Tom finds his chore fun. She sees the effect of irony on the mood of the text: the irony helps to create humor.