Explain the concept of irony and provide an example from a famous literary work.

Explain the concept of irony and provide an example from a famous literary work.

Irony is a literary device that involves a contrast between what is expected or intended and what actually occurs. It often creates a sense of surprise or humor.

One example of irony can be found in William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." In Act 5, Scene 3, Romeo arrives at the Capulet family tomb to find Juliet seemingly lifeless. Unaware that she has taken a sleeping potion, Romeo believes she is dead and decides to take his own life. Just as he drinks the poison, Juliet awakens and discovers Romeo's lifeless body. This situation is ironic because the audience knows that Juliet is not actually dead, but Romeo's tragic misunderstanding leads to their untimely deaths.