All 6 Uses of
irony
in
Far from the Madding Crowd
- Henery gazed into the ashpit, and smiled volumes of ironical knowledge.†
Chpt 7-9 *
- ] "He is," said Henery, implying that irony must cease at a certain point.†
Chpt 7-9
- God knows!" he said, with a light irony, and turning from her walked rapidly away.†
Chpt 16-18
- He was deeply troubled at the wretchedly ironical aspect that circumstances were putting on with regard to Troy's wife, and at his own powerlessness to counteract them.†
Chpt 40-42
- And to that had destiny subjoined this reencounter to-night, which had, in Bathsheba's wild imagining, turned her companion's failure to success, her humiliation to triumph, her lucklessness to ascendency; it had thrown over herself a garish light of mockery, and set upon all things about her an ironical smile.†
Chpt 43-45
- Even then Boldwood did not recognize that the impersonator of Heaven's persistent irony towards him, who had once before broken in upon his bliss, scourged him, and snatched his delight away, had come to do these things a second time.†
Chpt 52-54
Definition:
-
(irony as in: situational irony) when what happens is very different than what might be expected; or when things are together that seem like they don't belong together -- especially when amusing or an entertaining coincidenceeditor's notes: This is sometimes referred to as "situational irony." The term is especially appropriate when actions have consequences opposite to those intended.
Situational irony can be poignant, humorous, or unusual in juxtaposition. It can be subtle. For example, a novel can bring to mind a famous work of literature that leads the reader expect a certain pattern. Then the writer can turn the pattern on its head.
The expression ironic smile, generally references someone who is smiling (or often smiles) at situational irony.
All forms of irony involve the perception that things are not what they might seem.