This document discusses the use of irony in Sophocles' play Oedipus Rex. It defines different types of irony: dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something a character does not; verbal irony involves a character saying something untrue that they believe to be true; and situational irony involves outcomes that are opposite of what was expected. The document analyzes examples of each type of irony used in Oedipus Rex, such as Oedipus unknowingly fulfilling a prophecy through his own actions while believing he escaped his fate.

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Nawrin Akhtar
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH

2. USE OF
IRONY IN
OEDIPUS REX
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3. •A surprise!!!!!
•It is the difference between
what we expect to happen, and
what actually does happen.
•It is difference between
appearance and reality.
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What is Irony ?

4. Irony
Verbal
Irony
Situational
Irony
Dramatic
Irony
Types Of Irony
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5. Dramatic Irony Verbal Irony
Situational Irony Tragic Irony5

6. DRAMATIC IRONY
WHEN THE READER OR AUDIENCE KNOWS
SOMETHING IMPORTANT THAT A
CHARACTER IN A STORY OR DRAMA
DOES NOT KNOW.
• This is used to engage the audience and
keep them actively involved in storyline.
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7. DRAMATIC IRONY IN OEDIPUS
REX
• Oedipus said :
“I did not think it fit that I should hear
Of this from messengers but came myself,
I oedipus whom all men call the great.”
The prophet teiresias says:
'I say you know not in what worst of shame
You live together with those nearest you,
And see not in what evil plight you stand.' 7

8. VERBAL IRONY
•Verbal irony occurs when a character
speaks of a situation or person in which he
or she believes is the truth however the
audience knows that they are not.
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9. VERBAL IRONY IN OEDIPUS
REX
For example:
• Oedipus believes that he escape from
• Unknowingly Oedipus cursed
himself multiple times and declared
punishment.
• The relationship between Oedipus
and Jocasta.
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10. SITUATIONAL IRONY
When a situation turns out to be the opposite of
what you thought it would be.
Oedipus curse becomes true.
Prophecy becomes true.
 Oedipus murdered own father & Oedipus marrying his mother.
Oedipus becomes the false king.
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11. TRAGIC IRONY
Tragic irony is when a character’s actions lead to a
tragic result.
Tragic irony is shown by the character’s actions.
Tragic irony in Oedipus rex:-
Conversation between Oedipus and Tiresias.
Conversation between Jocasta and Oedipus.
Oedipus blinded himself and go to exile. 11

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If unexpected by a character, it’s dramatic.
If unexpected by everyone, it’s situational.
If it’s sarcasm, it’s verbal.
REVIEW

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