Irony and Ambiguity

English 9

(For more information, see Chapter 5pages 284-285 in your textbook.)

Surprises Twists and Mysteries

“Irony is the word that describes the difference between what we expect or what seems suitable and what actually happens. Irony is the reverse of what we expect; ambiguity offers us several conflicting consequences or meanings, and leaves us to figure them out.”

IronyVerbal--when someone says one

thing but means the oppositeSituational--an occurrence that is

not just surprising; it is the opposite of what we expected

Dramatic--when we know what is in store for a character, but the character does not know

Ambiguity

Offers readers a choice of more than one meaning or interpretation

Keeps readers guessing, wondering, and reflecting

Why use ambiguity?

Ambiguous stories tend to linger in readers’ minds the longest because ambiguity challenges readers’ imaginations.

They encourage readers to discuss their thoughts and ideas with others.

Irony Practice

Look at the pictures, and decide which type of irony they represent.

Ambiguity Practice

Look at the pictures, and decide why they are ambiguous.

Our next two stories:

“The Gift of the Magi”–irony“The Lady or the Tiger”—ambiguity