Oh, the Irony! September 12, 2018

Focus: Isn't it ironic?

1. Warming up with a mini lesson on irony

Verbal irony: The use of language to express something that is the opposite of its literal meaning.

• Ex: It's pouring down rain, and somebody grumpily says, "Great weather we're having."

Situational irony: An event in which the opposite of what's expected happens.

• Ex: A fire station burns down.

Dramatic irony: A situation in which the audience knows more than the characters know, causing the characters' speech and actions to take on unusual meanings.

• Ex: In Oedipus Rex, Oedipus declares that he hopes the killer of Laius will suffer "the worst of agonies" (not realizing, of course that he is the killer Laius). 

• Also, the words "eyes" and "sight" and used repeatedly throughout the play before the dramatic action culminates with Oedipus gauging out his eyes. 

• Another one: Jocasta mentions once or twice that Oedipus does happen to look just a little like Laius. Sigh. There's dramatic irony all over the place.

Viewing an example of dramatic irony from your favorite Disney hero's journey (1:18)

What is the effect of dramatic irony? Or, why might an author use dramatic irony?

2. Reading East of Eden with an eye out for dramatic irony, especially in Chapter 11

HW:
1. For FRIDAY: Read Chapters 14, 15, and 16 and compose a reading ticket for Socratic.

2. For next THURSDAY, SEP 20: College essays due (you'll a get a "Night-Before Checklist" next week).