Irony, Sarcasm and Humour Flashcards
All 11 cards in this deck
What is irony in non-fiction, and what does it typically do?
Saying the opposite of (or something different from) what is meant. It invites the reader to see through the words and share the writer's critical view, often making criticism sharper by being understated.
What is sarcasm, and how is it different from irony?
Sarcasm is irony used to mock or wound a particular person or thing. It is harsher and more personal, and it shows contempt rather than gentle amusement.
What is satire?
Humour, often with irony and exaggeration, used to criticise people, institutions or society. The laughter has a serious point: it exposes foolishness or injustice.
What is understatement, and what effect can it have?
Describing something as less serious than it is, e.g. calling a flooded house "a little damp". It creates dry humour and can suggest the writer's bravery or self-control.
What is self-deprecating humour, and why do non-fiction writers use it?
The writer makes fun of themselves. It makes them likeable and honest, which builds trust with the reader, and it can soften a serious or frightening experience.
What is bathos (or mock-heroic language)?
Grand, serious language used about something trivial, or a sudden drop from the grand to the ordinary. It creates comedy and can mock things that take themselves too seriously.
How can you spot irony in a source?
Look for a mismatch: praise that the facts contradict, polite words for something absurd, scare quotes (the "luxury" hotel), or a calm tone about a disaster.
In "Brilliant. Another Monday, another cancelled train.", which technique is used and what is its effect?
Sarcasm. "Brilliant" means the opposite, and the repetition of "another" shows this happens all the time. It conveys weary frustration and mocks the rail company.
In The "luxury" hotel offered a stunning view of the bins, how is humour created?
Irony through scare quotes and contrast: the inverted commas question "luxury", and the grand phrase "stunning view" collapses into "the bins", mocking the hotel's claims.
In "The flood was a slight inconvenience; we only had to swim to the kettle", what is the technique and effect?
Understatement and exaggeration together. Calling a flood "a slight inconvenience" makes the reader laugh, while the absurd image shows the writer coping with disaster through humour.
How should you write about humour in Paper 2 Question 3?
Don't just say it is "funny". Explain how the humour works (irony, understatement, bathos) and why the writer uses it: to criticise, to make a point memorable, or to reveal their own attitude.