Irony suggests the use of words or language in such a way so as to convey a meaning that is entirely opposite or contradictory to the literary meaning. A situation is said to be ironic if the actions that are taken have an exactly opposite effect than what was intended.
Irony has various types. Comic Irony is humorous while in dramatic irony the reader knows that the character is making a mistake since the reader has more information than the character.
The word irony has its roots in the Greek word Eiron, a clever underdog who always triumphs over the boastful character, Alazon. Ellen Glasgow had once remarked, “A tragic irony of life is that we so often achieve success or financial independence after the chief reason for which we sought it has passed away.”
