The usage of irony in satirical literature
![3INTRODUCTION
Delivery of each subject to students using new innovative pedagogical
technologies is one of the main requirements of today's education. The President of
the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on May 19, 2021 “A measure to
bring the popularization of learning foreign languages in the Republic of
Uzbekistan to a qualitatively new level” In accordance with the State Program
“Year of Youth Support and Public Health Strengthening”, the development of
foreign language teaching as a priority of education policy, in this direction to
fundamentally improve the quality of education, to attract qualified pedagogues to
the field, and to improve the quality of the population special importance is
attached to increasing their interest in learning foreign languages. A new stage, a
new era has begun in the teaching of foreign languages in our country [1, 115]. The
use of advanced pedagogical technologies, interactive, innovative methods,
communicative and informational tools is required in the process of teaching
foreign language classes.
In our republic, new methods and requirements have been developed in
accordance with the European framework recommendations (CEFR) and
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for foreign language
teaching and assessment of knowledge and skills of foreign language teachers.
According to it, textbooks were created for students of general education schools
and vocational schools. In accordance with these requirements, classrooms were
equipped with new information and communication techniques. Foreign language
science is divided into four aspects (reading, writing, listening and speaking), and
separate concepts and skills are given for each of them.
“It's time to establish a new system for teaching foreign languages in our
country, which will be a solid foundation for the future. Since we have set
ourselves the goal of building a competitive country, from now on, graduates of
schools, lyceums, colleges and universities must have a perfect knowledge of at
least two foreign languages. This strict requirement should become the main
criterion for the activity of the head of every educational institution,” said Shavkat](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_3.png?v=1)
![5CHAPTER I. IRONY'S APPLICATIONS IN LITERATURE
1.1. Different types of irony in literature.
The term irony entered the English language in the sixteenth century and
comes from the French “ironie” and before that, from the Latin “ironia.” All these
terms originate from the ancient Greek stereotypical character known as Eiron
[6,113]. An Eiron figure brings down his opponent by understating his abilities,
thus engaging in a type of irony by saying less than what he means. Irony is a
means to humor. It is a rhetorical device used in most of the modern fiction and
literature in general. It is widely used in psychological literary works, for example,
in James Joyce’s fiction. Irony is a disagreement or incongruity between what is
said and what is understood, or what is expected and what actually occurs. It can
be used intentionally or can happen unintentionally. Audience’s role is very
important. Authors can use irony to make their audience stop and think about what
has just been said, or to emphasize a central idea. The audience's role in realizing
the difference between what is said and what is normal or expected is essential to
the successful use of irony. Irony is a manner of organizing a work so as to give
full expression to contradictory or complementary impulses, attitudes, etc.,
especially as a means of indicating detachment from a subject, theme, or emotion.
Satire is the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or
deriding vice, folly, etc. It is a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which
human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule. Synonyms of satire
are usually irony, burlesque, caricature, parody, etc. Satire refers to literary forms
in which vices or follies are ridiculed. Satire is the general term, which often
emphasizes the weakness more than the weak person emphasizes, and usually
implies moral judgment and corrective purpose: Swift's satire of human pettiness
and bestiality. Irony, sarcasm and satire indicate mockery of something or
someone. The essential feature of irony is the indirect presentation of a
contradiction between an action or expression and the context in which it occurs.
In the figure of speech, emphasis is placed on the position between the literal and
intended meaning of a statement. One thing is said and its opposite is implied, as in](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_5.png?v=1)
![6the comment, “Beautiful weather, isn't it?” made when it is raining or nasty. Ironic
literature exploits, in addition to the rhetorical figure, such devices as character
development, situation, and plot to stress the paradoxical nature of reality or the
contrast between an ideal and actual condition, set of circumstances, etc.,
frequently in such a way as to stress the absurdity present in the contradiction
between substance and form. Irony differs from sarcasm in greater subtlety and
wit. In sarcasm, ridicule or mockery is used harshly, often crudely and
contemptuously, for destructive purposes. It may be used in an indirect manner,
and have the form of irony, as in “What a fine musician you turned out to be!” or it
may be used in the form of a direct statement, “You couldn't play one piece
correctly if you had two assistants.” The distinctive quality of sarcasm is present in
the spoken word and manifested chiefly by vocal inflection, whereas satire and
irony arising originally as literary and rhetorical forms, are exhibited in the
organization or structuring of either language or literary material. Satire usually
implies the use of irony or sarcasm for censorious or critical purposes and is often
directed at public figures or institutions, conventional behavior, political situations,
etc. As a literary device, irony is often misunderstood. Although many of us learn
about irony in our high school English classes through works of theater like
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet or Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, many people feel
unsure of what irony means – or how to use it correctly [3,152]. Nevertheless,
when deployed with skill, irony is a powerful tool that adds depth and substance to
a piece of writing. The definition of irony as a literary device is a situation in
which there is a contrast between expectation and reality. For example, the
difference between what something appears to mean versus its literal meaning.
Irony is associated with both tragedy and humor. Irony, in its broadest sense, is a
rhetorical device, literary technique, or event characterized by an incongruity, or
contrast, between reality (what is) and appearance (what seems to be). Verbal,
dramatic, and situational irony are often used for emphasis in the assertion of a
truth. The ironic form of simile, used in sarcasm, and some forms of litotes can
emphasize one's meaning by the deliberate use of language, which states the](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_6.png?v=1)
![7opposite of the truth, denies the contrary of the truth, or drastically and obviously
understates a factual connection. Henry Watson Fowler, in The King's English,
says "any definition of irony – though hundreds might be given, and very few of
them would be accepted – must include this, that the surface meaning and the
underlying meaning of what is said are not the same." In addition, Eric Partridge,
in Usage and Abusage, writes, "Irony consists in stating the contrary of what is
meant." Irony is often an effective way for an author to express ideas of what she
thinks describes the society in which she lives. Irony can explore the differences
between what society or person says or does and how they actually live. A society,
which claims to value truth and justice, but actually tolerates or encourages lying
and injustice, is ironic. Irony can be used in any number of ways in fiction. In fact,
there are different categories that can be found in fiction, depending on the type of
story being told. For instance, a character's and/or a reader's carefully laid
expectations are turned on their head. For instance, a man who pursues what he
thinks is the perfect woman, eventually learns that she is not as perfect as he is or
the readers thought. Irony can occur when the reader knows things in the story that
the characters do not-for example, audiences are aware of the fact that Viola in
William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is actually a woman dressed as a man, even
when other characters are not. Sarcasm and satire are also forms of irony that can
be employed within fiction. Irony is effective because it prevents the author's work
from becoming didactic [12,126].
Since most works of fiction that employ irony tend to deal with serious issues,
such as the hypocrisy in religion, society, or government, a more serious or
realistic approach risks becoming pretentious. Irony, particularly satire, can be an
effective way to not only approach such topics but also do so in way that is
humorous or entertaining (though it is important to point out that not all satire is
funny). Another reason why irony is effective is that it allows readers to see the
discrepancies the author is pointing out about humans or society. For instance, in
Twelfth Night, audiences are able to witness the absurdities that Elizabethan
society placed on decorum within courtship rituals and the ways those rituals are](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_7.png?v=1)
![8complicated by gender expectations. With irony, unlike most literary tropes,
readers are let in on the joke. They see and know things of which the characters
themselves are not aware. Thus, it gives them a sense of distance from the story.
This allows them to parse the ideas and themes that are being expressed in ways
that are not always readily available in stories that do not employ the use of irony.
Irony also allows readers to understand characters in ways that the characters do
not know of themselves. For example, the irony in Shakespeare's King Lear allows
audiences to understand the kind of hubris that King Lear represents and allows
them to understand how this hubris leads to his downfall. Irony helps readers and
audiences gain a greater understanding of human nature [10,123].
Main Types of Irony. There are a number of different types of irony, each
meaning something a little different [2,101].
What are the three Types of Irony and their Definitions?
Verbal Irony: The verbal irony definition is when a character uses words to
mean something different from what they appear to mean or what the intended
meaning usually is.
Situational Irony: Situational irony's essence lies in the disparity between
what is anticipated to occur and what actually unfolds, often playing a crucial role
in building tension within a narrative.
Dramatic Irony: The meaning of dramatic irony is when the audience is more
aware of what is happening than a character.
Dramatic irony. Also known as tragic irony, this is when a writer lets their
reader know something that a character does not. This is the contrast between what
the character thinks to be true and what we (the reader) know to be true.
Sometimes as we read, we are placed in the position of knowing more than what
one character knows. Because we know something the character does not, we read
to discover how the character will react when he or she learns the truth of the
situation. For example, when the reader knows that the bus roaring down the
highway is headed for an elevated freeway junction that has not been completed
yet, it fills the audience with anticipation and dread for what they know is coming:](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_8.png?v=1)
![9the passengers’ horror and shock. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, each young
lover takes the poison, thinking the other is already dead – the dramatic irony
comes from the audience wanting them to know the whole story before taking this
final action. Similarly, in Shakespeare’s Othello, Othello trusts Iago–but the
audience knows better. Learn more about dramatic irony in our complete guide
here.
Dramatic irony is different from situational irony, in which what you expect
to happen does not happen, and verbal irony, in which words do not mean what
they seem to mean [16,89].
Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more than the character. It creates
tension and suspense.
Situational irony occurs when there is a difference between what is expected
to happen and what actually happens. For example, a fire station burning down is a
case of situational irony.
Verbal irony is when a character says something that is different from what he
or she really means, or how he or she really feels. This is the only type of irony
where a character creates the irony.
In literature, what the main characters do not know and the audience does
works to create tension and suspense for the reader. When used in tragedies,
dramatic irony is referred to as “tragic irony.”
In Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Oedipus Rex, Oedipus is fated to kill his father
and fall in love with his mother. Oedipus, vowing to avenge his father’s murder, is
unaware that he is the one who has killed his father, Laius. When he finds out, he
is overcome with grief and gouges out his own eyes.
In Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey, Odysseus returns home in disguise to
test his wife Penelope’s faithfulness – but the reader know that it is in fact
Odysseus.
In Victor Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Quasimodo tries to protect
Esmeralda from the gypsies, whom he believes are coming to harm her. In reality,
as the audience understands, they are coming to save her.](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_9.png?v=1)
![10In Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code, Brown takes the reader inside the George
Washington Masonic Memorial and, using dramatic irony, gives an interior
monologue for CIA Agent Simkins that shows his ignorance of the secrets that
Langdon and his sidekick, Katherine Solomon, are chasing.
William Shakespeare is a master of dramatic irony. In Macbeth, Macbeth
pretends to be loyal to Duncan even while planning his murder. In addition, in
Othello, the audience knows that Iago is manipulating Othello, while Othello
believes him to be honest.
Comic Irony. This is when irony is used to comedic effect – such as in satire.
Jane Austen was a master of irony and dialogue. Her preoccupation with social
divisions and the witty and insightful tone with which she revealed hypocrisy and
parodied people contributed heavily to her voice. Austen opens Pride and Prejudice
with a famous line implying that men are the ones who hunt for a wife; however,
she makes it clear throughout the narrative that it is actually the other way around
[4,129].
Situational Irony. Irony: it is clear as mud. Theorists quibble about the
margins of what constitutes irony, but situational irony is all around us—from
humorous news headlines to the shock twists in a book or TV show. This type of
irony is all about the gap between our expectations and reality, and it can make a
memorable and powerful impression when we encounter it. Irony refers to
instances where one thing appears to be the case on the surface, but is quite the
opposite in reality. There are many different types of irony, and many different
ways for this kind of contradiction to reveal itself.
Situational irony is the irony of something happening that is very different to
what was expected. Some everyday examples of situational irony are a fire station
burning down, or someone posting on Twitter that social media is a waste of time.
This is the most common in literature. It is the contrast between what happens and
what was expected (or what would seem appropriate). Because it emerges from the
events and circumstances of a story, it is often more subtle and effective than
verbal or dramatic irony. "O my love, my wife! Death, that hath sucked the honey](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_10.png?v=1)
![13Greek philosopher, Socrates. Socratic irony is when a character will engage in
feigned ignorance while asking a question, intending to prompt the person
answering to expose his or her own ignorance. Skillful lawyers in a courtroom
drama often employ the technique whereby a character feigns ignorance. Socrates
himself used this technique or the Socratic Method to teach his students, stimulate
critical thinking and lead them to a deeper understanding.
1.2. Common mistakes when using irony in satire
Now that we have talked about how to write ironic satire, let us take a moment
to go over some common mistakes that writers often make when using irony in
satire [18,114].
Mistake 1: Being Too Subtle
Irony in satire can be a delicate balance. While you do not want to hit your
readers over the head with your point, you also do not want to be so subtle that
your message gets lost. Remember, the purpose of irony in satire is to illuminate,
not to confuse.
Mistake 2: Misunderstanding Irony
Many people confuse irony with coincidences or bad luck. Irony, however,
involves a significant discrepancy between what is expected and what actually
happens. Misunderstanding this can lead to writing that misses the mark.
Mistake 3: Failing to Provide Context
Without the necessary context, the irony in your satire may fall flat. Make sure
your readers have the background information they need to understand the irony
and appreciate the satire.
Mistake 4: Using Irony for Its Own Sake
Irony can be a powerful tool in satire, but it should not be the end goal. The
role of irony in satire is to serve the larger message or point you are trying to make.
Do not let irony become the star of the show at the expense of your message.
Mistake 5: Not Considering Your Audience
What is ironic to one person may not be to another, so it is important to
consider your audience when writing satire. What do they know? What do they](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_13.png?v=1)
![14expect? Answering these questions can help you craft effective, ironic satire.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your ironic satire hits the
right notes and effectively communicates your message. Keep practicing, keep
learning and most of all, and keep writing!
Common mistakes to avoid. When it comes to using satire and irony, it is
important to understand that these two terms are not interchangeable.
Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably,
which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common
mistakes to avoid [9,172]:
Mistake 1: Using satire and irony interchangeably. Satire and irony are two
distinct literary devices that serve different purposes. Satire is a form of social
commentary that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and expose the
flaws and vices of society. Irony, on the other hand, is a rhetorical device that
involves saying the opposite of what you mean or using language that is contrary
to what is expected. While both satire and irony can be used to create humor, they
are not the same thing.
For example, if you were to say “I just love getting stuck in traffic,” that would
be an example of irony. If you were to say, “I just love getting stuck in traffic
because it gives me time to catch up on my reading,” that would be an example of
satire.
Mistake 2: Using satire or irony inappropriately. Another common mistake is
using satire or irony in situations where they are not appropriate. For example,
using satire to make fun of someone’s appearance or using irony to make a serious
point can be seen as insensitive or offensive. It is important to remember that satire
and irony should be used to make a point or to expose a flaw or vice in society, not
to attack individuals or groups of people.
Tips on how to avoid making these mistakes.
Here are some tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future:
Take the time to understand the difference between satire and irony.](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_14.png?v=1)
![17Irony is a figure of speech where the actual outcome is different from what was
initially expected. It's like life's unexpected plot twist. It often brings a surprise,
humor, or a certain thought-provoking element to the situation. Irony happens all
the time in our everyday lives, and it plays a huge role in literature, especially
satire.
What is satire?
Imagine if you were a chef. You have all these cool ingredients and tools at
your disposal, but you are not quite sure what to cook. Well, think of satire as a
special recipe that uses irony as a key ingredient [15,121].
Satire is a unique form of expression that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration
to criticize or poke fun at human vices, follies, or shortcomings. It is like a fun-
house mirror that distorts reality, but in doing so, it shows us a reflection of our
own flaws and absurdities. Satire can be found in many forms of media, including
literature, plays, commentary, and media such as lyrics, stage shows, and cartoons.
Satire often makes us laugh, but it also makes us think. It is like a witty friend
who makes you chuckle with a clever joke, but then leaves you pondering over the
deeper message behind the humor. The humor in satire often acts as a sugar
coating for the bitter pill of truth. It is a way for writers and artists to highlight
social, political, or personal issues in a way that is engaging and thought-
provoking.
By now you might be wondering, how does irony fit into this? Well, irony is
one of the key tools that satirists use to create this effect. The role of irony in satire
is like the role of spices in a meal – it adds flavor, depth, and a certain kick.
However, what does this look like in practice? Let us find out in the next section.
How does irony enhance satire?
Therefore, we have talked about what satire is and we have touched on the role
of irony in satire. Now, let us dig a little deeper and see how exactly irony
enhances satire. Think of irony as the secret sauce in your favorite dish. It might
not be the first thing you notice, but once you taste it, you realize it is what makes
the dish special. That is the role of irony in satire – it is the twist that takes the](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_17.png?v=1)
![21CHAPTER II. DISTINCTION BETWEEN SATIRE AND IRONY
2.1. Studies on the variety and utilization of irony and satire in
social research.
Satire. Satire is the use of irony, exaggerated words, humor or even ridicule to
criticize someone’s flaws or stupidity. You must have witnessed excellent
examples of satire in political writings or news shows. You make fun of people
using satire by imitating and trying to expose their shortcomings. Nowadays, in
shows like Saturday Night live, people commonly use humor to expose politicians’
misdeeds or social injustice [5,117].
Examples of satire are picked from what you normally see in today’s shows
and digital content:
Sketches: sketch comedy has become a common form of expression because it
is lighthearted and sends the message across.
Political cartoons: political cartoons have been in the papers for as long as we
know it, because they offer biting remarks on a political situation. These
illustrations make a perfect commentary amidst any trending story or situation.
Irony. In simple words, irony is something that happens in the complete
opposite way of what was expected. People believe that the definition of irony will
talk about bad luck or coincidence, but in reality it is closest to the insurrection of
expected outcomes. In the literary genre, there are three clear types of ironies:
Verbal irony: this is when the character is mentioning something different from
how they actually feel or mean. Socratic irony is a good example of verbal irony
where someone plays ignorant to make the other person say things that will spark
an argument.
Example: someone walking out in scorching hot weather and saying: “oh what a
great day it is!”
Dramatic irony: dramatic irony arises when the audience knows more than the
characters. The characters are doing things as per their knowledge, but the
audience knows the reality which creates suspense. In stories of tragedy, dramatic
irony is also known as tragic irony.](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_21.png?v=1)
![22Example: the ending of Romeo and Juliet where the audience knows both
characters are alive but the characters do not know. Thus, both Romeo and Juliet
drink the poison.
Situational irony: this is when a situation turns out different than it was
originally expected to happen. A good example of situational irony is a fire station
catching fire.
Sarcasm. Sarcasm is the sharp utterance that is intended to cut with words or
cause pain. A teacher talking to a student who always scores low marks and
saying, “You have outdone yourself again, haven’t you?” is an example of
sarcasm. Sarcasm is intended to mock someone while downplaying his or her
abilities. The way person does sarcasm is by saying something completely opposite
than what they mean. In real world, the best way to identify sarcasm is by the tone
of voice and mocking.
Three common examples of sarcasm will make the definition clearer:
When something bad happens on an already poorly unfolding day: “Yep, This
is exactly what I wanted!”
When something is boring: “wow, I’m so elated to be in this for the next 2
hours”
When something is happening slowly: “Can you please do this more slowly,
we have all life!”
Satire is dangerous stuff. According to Elliott, ancient beliefs in the magical
powers of satire for good and ill were widespread. Satire could be hurled as
invective against one’s enemies or used to expel evil [20,153]. That satirists could
‘rhyme rats to death’ was apparently a commonplace belief in ancient and
medieval times, referred to by Shakespeare and others, and the possible source of
the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. While satirists may no longer be feared
for their terrible power, ruthlessly exercised (rats may sleep easy in their nests), the
metaphor of satire as weapon persists. It is perhaps satire’s conceit to present this
as having moral purpose, to ‘mend the world’, as Jonathan Swift put it. Indeed,
satire has been defined as ‘a literary manner which blends a critical attitude with](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_22.png?v=1)
![23humor and wit to the end that human institutions or humanity may be improved’; it
is ‘a mode of challenging accepted notions by making them seem ridiculous’ a
form of attack whose purpose may not be to bring about change but to focus
perceptions. Satire has a long and honorable history as a means of exposing vice
and folly, revealing the workings of power and providing valuable social and
political comment. However, the satirist occupies an ambiguous position in
society, always skating ‘on the thin edge of censorship and legal retribution’, even
in what we consider to be these enlightened times, and ‘never quite certain himself
whether he will be acclaimed or punished’. Satire, whether considered as genre or
mode of writing (that is, as ‘a tone and an attitude’), frequently makes use of other
rhetorical devices, such as sarcasm (which is distinguished by its bitter and caustic
nature) and, especially, irony. While irony is a difficult term to define, with many
variants – dramatic, verbal, situational, Socratic, etc. – the most common
definition, according to Colebrook is ‘saying something contrary to what is meant’.
Though she regards this as simplistic almost to the point of uselessness, it
immediately throws up problems for the social scientist who is, generally speaking,
discouraged from doing this sort of thing. However, while satire (and sarcasm)
may be considered narrative forms, means for and of representation, irony, as a
rhetorical trope which exerts its effects through juxtaposition and the creation of
incongruity, constitutes a potential analytical tool in social research, overturning
expectations and operating within a ‘logic of discovery’. Irony is ‘a metaphor of
opposites, a seeing of something from the viewpoint of its antithesis’, and it is the
ability to do this which constitutes the art of social science [7,134]. Indeed, Brown
contends that ‘the prime instrument of sociological knowledge is an eye for
paradox, contradiction and reversals that are latent beneath the more obvious
manifest content of action and he goes on, ‘he sociologist must “estrange” taken-
for-granted reality so that it appears in a new and previously unsuspected light; he
must be the man who shouts “Theatre!” in the middle of a crowded fire’. Satire has
a ‘protean quality’, imitating other genres and ‘borrowing its ground plan
parasitically and by ironic inversion, from other forms of ordered expression in art](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_23.png?v=1)
![24or in life’. Satire puts on formal disguises, hiding its identity in order to sharpen its
attack, but its key feature is wit
Once wit has been brought into the service of the satiric impulse, then all the
stock devices by which the literary satirist achieves his end become available:
irony, burlesque, innuendo, the beast fable, the imaginary voyage, allegory – all
the devices of indirection which make the study of satire so fascinating and so
confusing [13,136].
While this may be all very well in literature, it represents a problem for the
social researcher. As Fine & Martin note, a ‘predominant characteristic of
scientific discourse generally is its serious and sedate mien’. Yet the social
sciences as a field of practice are not entirely devoid of wit. One of the finest
exponents of this is Erving Goffman. Fine & Martin analyses sarcasm, satire and
irony as ‘overlapping humorous techniques’ drawn on by Erving Goffman in
works such as Asylums, in which ‘mental patients serve as moral exemplars for the
rest of us’. By overturning our expectations of what constitutes rational/irrational
behavior, Goffman succeeds in challenging power relations in institutions, and the
measured academic style with which he does this only intensifies his attack. Yet
Goffman has been dismissed in some quarters as lightweight – a humorous writer
but a second-rate sociologist: [8,109].
It is still too easy to dismiss Goffman’s main work as amusing, interesting but
minor as the product of a light essayist, not a scientist; as dealing with micro-
trivia rather than macro-structure; or, most seriously of all, as fundamentally
immoral, as taking a cynical, manipulative and ultimately destructive view of
humanity. There is therefore a discrepancy between his reputation in various sub-
disciplines and his overall status as a sociologist.
The problem, as Strong sees it, is this: ‘In neither its style nor its content does it
fit the disciplinary norm, and many of the problems in its reception may be traced
to its academic oddity.’ The nineteenth-century economist Torstein Veblen is
another whose unorthodox prose style offended the academy. Conroy says that
when Veblen’s most famous work, The Theory of the Leisure Class, was first](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_24.png?v=1)
![25published, ‘it was frequently misread as a literary satire of the nouveaux riches of
the period’ [original emphasis] which missed entirely the seriousness of his social
and economic criticism. This dismissal of serious critique as ‘just a bit of fun’
highlights the way in which genre expectation on the part of readers, not to
mention the gatekeepers to publication, acts powerfully as an ideological effect and
form of policing in the social sciences. Having set out this apologia, I now move
on to examine the uses of satire, sarcasm and irony in social research.
Irony. While satire is a genre or mode of representation and can appear in
many guises, irony has a more formal quality as a ‘metaphor of opposites’. It is
this antagonism that renders irony a useful analytical tool in social research,
enabling exploration of the paradoxes and contradictions within the discourses that
frame action. Irony is therefore an analytical tool, which depends on a
destabilization of opposites and the movement towards an inevitable outcome.
Drawing on this relation, formulates ‘the law of irony’, which, put briefly, states
that ‘when the highest degree of incongruity is combined with the greatest degree
of inevitability, there results a statement of the greatest theoretical value’. By way
of illustration, he gives the following example: [14,115].
We are brothers under the skin’ is not a substantial contribution to knowledge
when said of one’s cousin or friend … but we do find it news that GIs and Nazis
bear a family resemblance.
In similar manner, Goffman uses the concept of the ‘service relationship’ to
draw out unexpected similarities between the way in which car mechanics and
psychiatrists relate to their objects of professional concern; and Helen Gunter’s
article ‘Jurassic Management: chaos and management development in educational
institutions’ presents a parable drawing out analogies between management
failures portrayed in the best-seller Jurassic Park and failures in educational
leadership policy. (By doing this, Gunter not only unmasks an unexpected
similarity, she is also able to suggest that current conceptions of educational
leadership and management are based on an outmoded and discredited model
pedaled by a bunch of dinosaurs.) As well as unmasking unexpected similarities,](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_25.png?v=1)
![26ironic analyses can also uncover unsuspected differences and the ‘interdependency
of opposites’, as in the following examples: the ‘Utopian paradox’ which asserts
that ‘virtue and goodness lead inevitably to social collapse’ taxonomy, as the
science of classification that attempts to impose closure results only in its infinite
deferral; rote learning of poetry, which, far from being a repressive pedagogical
practice, in fact enables us to ‘suffer awakening to the poem’s otherness and in a
general way, Verilog’s notion of the ‘integral accident’ as that inherent principle in
technology which brings about its own destruction.
Tools familiar to researchers of a postmodernist/poststructuralist bent are based
on this notion of the destabilization of opposites: Derridean deconstruction, for
example, which seeks out ‘the unspoken, the implicit and the contradictory’, and
Foucault’s genealogical analyses, which are, Fendler argues, ‘infused with irony’.
Fendler defends this use of irony in social research against those who hold the
view that both satire and irony belong ‘outside the limits of critical rationality’ and
consequently have nothing to contribute to science, social or otherwise. This, she
suggests, is to be reductive about knowledge in a way that is itself irrational: ‘In
Foucault’s historiography,’ Fendler says, ‘the value of reason is not diminished by
the inclusion of irony; rather, the value of reason is fortified by constructing reason
in a more robust way’ [19,98]
Some concepts seem inherently ironical, embodying a dialectical tension, and
therefore especially useful as tools for analysis. Deleuze & Guattari’s paradoxical
concept of the Body without Organs, for example, permits an analysis of
subjectivity and desire, which sees the subject emerge as an after effect of desire
rather than as an agent of it. Another example is Slavoj Žižek’s concept of
‘interpassivity’, the outsourcing of enjoyment through the delegation of passivity
to some other object. Žižek gives as examples the VCR that watches television for
you; the ‘canned laughter’ that replaces your own; and, curiously, ‘the artist who
eats your sandwich for you’. Žižek explains.
I am passive through the Other. I concede to the Other the passive aspect (of
enjoying), while I can remain actively engaged (I can continue to work in the](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_26.png?v=1)
![28since 2000, has been the standard methodology used by higher education
institutions in the UK for costing their main activities. Such forms of
accountability create a curious sense of dislocation from the lived experience of
intellectual work.
2.2. The usage of satire and irony in a sentence
Satire and irony are two literary devices that are often used in literature,
movies, and other forms of art. While they may seem similar, they have distinct
differences that set them apart. Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony,
and exaggeration to expose and criticize people’s vices or shortcomings. Irony, on
the other hand, is a figure of speech that uses words to convey a meaning that is
opposite to its literal meaning.
While both satire and irony are used to create a humorous effect, the purpose of
using these devices is different. Satire is used to expose the flaws of society or
individuals, while irony is used to create a contrast between what is expected and
what actually happens.
In this course work, we will explore the differences between satire and irony in
detail and examine how they are used in literature and other art forms. So, let us
dive in!
Define Satire. Satire is a literary device that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or
ridicule to expose and criticize human vices, foolishness, or stupidity. It is a form
of social commentary that aims to promote change or improvement by highlighting
the flaws or shortcomings of individuals, institutions, or society as a whole.
Satirical works can take many forms, such as literature, drama, film, or visual art,
and can range from lighthearted, playful to dark, and biting [17,106].
Some common techniques used in satire include:
Exaggeration: magnifying the flaws or weaknesses of a person or institution to
highlight their absurdity
Irony: using words or situations to convey a meaning that is opposite to what is
expected
Parody: imitating or mocking a particular style or genre for comedic effect](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_28.png?v=1)
![30The usage of irony in a sentence. Irony is a literary device that uses words to
convey a meaning that is opposite of its literal or intended meaning. It is often used
to create a sense of humor or to show the contrast between expectation and reality.
Here are some tips on how to use irony in a sentence: [11,142].
Use situational irony to create unexpected outcomes. For example, “The fire
station burned down.”
Use verbal irony to express something different from the literal meaning of your
words. For example, “I just love getting stuck in traffic.”
Use dramatic irony to create tension or suspense. For example, “Little did she
know, the killer was hiding in the closet.”
When using irony, it is important to remember that your audience may not
always notice the irony. Be sure to use context clues and tone to make it clear that
you are using irony and not stating your actual beliefs.
More examples of satire & irony used in sentences. In order to fully understand
the nuances of satire and irony, it is important to see them used in context. Here
are some examples of both in action:
Examples of using satire in a sentence:
After the company’s fifth round of layoffs, the CEO joked that they were
“trimming the fat” – a clear example of workplace satire.
The political cartoonist drew a caricature of the president with a comically
oversized head, highlighting the absurdity of his ego.
In the dystopian novel, the government mandates that citizens take a pill every
day to suppress their emotions – a satirical take on the dangers of conformity.
The comedian’s routine poked fun at the ridiculousness of modern dating apps
and the unrealistic expectations they create.
During the debate, the candidate used exaggerated gestures and facial
expressions to mock his opponent’s policies, drawing laughs from the audience.
In the TV show, the wealthy protagonist is constantly making snarky comments
about her “struggles” with her luxurious lifestyle.](https://docx.uz/documents/8db1459c-e63b-4f51-8757-c2d51df13ba4/page_30.png?v=1)
The usage of irony in satirical literature