Irony, Analysis and Text Interpretation

Abstract

Stylistic devices create special atmosphere giving additional hues to the reading. Writers use different stylistic devices to express the idea and lead the reader to the answer. The style that writers use varies from author to author that makes reading enjoyable and exciting. While analyzing the text, readers think about the hidden meaning, implied idea, thus trying to read between the lines. The topic of our discussion is irony. Irony is an implied discrepancy between what is said and what is meant. There are different types of irony: verbal irony, irony of situation, dramatic irony and tragic irony, each having their value and importance. Irony can be used by the writer in a variety of forms for a variety of purposes. It finds its expression in the use of words conveying the opposite of their literal meaning. Using irony by the writer may create different effects on the reader. To begin with, it can be used to show folly in an amusing way. On the other hand, it can take the form of wounding criticism causing anger and hatred. Finally, it can be used to depict the situation showing all tragedy and sadness it involves. Thus, effects created by irony make the reader see through the surface meaning to the true purpose of writing.