Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tragic-irony
noun
/ˈtrædʒɪk ˈaɪrəni/
Definition
Tragic irony is a literary device where the audience knows something important that the characters do not, often leading to a tragic outcome.
Examples
- In Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” the tragic irony lies in the fact that Romeo believes Juliet to be dead, leading to a series of tragic events.
- The audience sees the hero preparing for a celebration, unaware of the impending disaster, creating a sense of tragic irony.
Meaning
It refers to a situation in a narrative where there is a contrast between what a character expects to happen and what actually occurs, resulting in a tragic effect.
Synonyms
- dramatic irony
- situational irony
- tragic revelation
