Question

directions: read the following examples of irony. determine which of the three types of irony are being used and then explain your answer.
dramatic irony - this occurs when the reader or audience understands more about the events of a story than a character.
situational irony - this occurs when what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected or appropriate.
verbal irony - a character says one thing but really means the opposite.

1. a mean old man ate a large meal at a restaurant. the waitress tried to provide him with excellent service, but every time she brought him a dish, he complained. first he thought that the soup was too cold when it was hot. then he said that his steak was dry and chewy, when it was moist and succulent. then he complained that one of her blonde hairs was in his mashed potatoes, but the hair was actually grey like his own. she remained patient and continued to try to help him until the end of the meal, when he left her a quarter for a tip. she replied on his way out, “thank you for the generous tip, mister.”

which type of irony is used? ________________________
explain your answer:

Explanation:

The waitress says "Thank you for the generous tip, Mister" when the tip (a quarter) is actually very small. This is a case of verbal irony as the character (the waitress) says one thing ("generous tip") but means the opposite (the tip is not generous at all).

Answer:

Verbal irony. The waitress says "generous tip" but the tip (a quarter) is clearly not generous, so she means the opposite of what she says.