Define irony and give an example from a poem or a prose.

Define irony and give an example from a poem or a prose.

Irony is a literary device that involves a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs. It often creates a humorous or sarcastic effect.

Example from a poem: In Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken," the speaker states, "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— / I took the one less traveled by." The irony lies in the fact that the speaker claims to have taken the less traveled road, suggesting uniqueness and individuality, but in reality, both paths are equally worn, as the speaker admits earlier in the poem. This irony highlights the human tendency to romanticize choices and imagine them as more significant than they actually are.

Example from a prose: In William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet says, "My only love sprung from my only hate!" This line is ironic because Juliet falls in love with Romeo, who belongs to the rival family, the Montagues. The irony lies in the fact that her love arises from the very thing she despises, emphasizing the tragic and conflicting nature of their love story.