Irony

Irony is a form of expression in which an implicit meaning is concealed or contradicted by the explicit meaning of the expression. Irony involves the perception that things are not what they are said to be or what they seem. Dramatic irony lies in the audience's deeper perceptions of a coming fate, which contrast with a character's lack of knowledge about it.

Roman Irony

In Roman times, irony was used in public speaking and rhetoric, in which the words used were opposite their meaning or intent.

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Shakespeare imitated Roman irony in his play Julius Caesar in Marc Antony's part, "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him." (III, ii, 78-79) The subsequent monologue uses extensive irony which glorifies Caesar, all while Antony selects words that seem to support the assassins, although the exact opposite is true.

Related Topics:
Shakespeare - Julius Caesar

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