Irony+Activity


 * //Note://** This wiki page features a Model Assignment that could be integrated into a unit focusing on mass media, nonfiction writing, and use of irony (four our purposes, a direct connection to Paul Harvey project). In addition to the framing information and larger individual assignment below, there are 5 related related small group activities that we will do in class. See the links below.

=IRONY =

**Definition:**
For our purposes, we will think of ** irony ** as a literary or rhetorical device, in which there is an incongruity or disconnect between what one says or does, and what one means or what is generally understood. Said another way, it can refer to incongruity between the intended meaning of an action and the actual or perceived meaning of an action. In other words, it is the use of words to mean or portray something very different from what they appear to mean or portray on the surface. For example, irony is often evident when saying one thing to mean a different or even opposite meaning, or when is evident when an event occurs that is opposite or very different than the expected outcome—often characterized as a “twist” or interesting turn of events.

Irony can be broad, dramatic, and obvious, but it can also be subtle, subversive, or underlying. Sometimes it can be harsh as in sarcasm or it might have a softer punch if light-hearted. Perhaps you’ve heard of different types of irony—//[|verbal], [|dramatic], [|tragic], [|comic] (scroll down), [|situational],// //[|historical]////, others?// The type of irony varies according to an author’s or speaker’s purpose.

Consider how Paul Harvey uses irony in his stories—what is his purpose? Is his use of irony obvious or subtle or does it vary depending on the topic?

**Irony Assignment Directions:**
This wiki page includes links to various small group activities designed to heighten your understanding and awareness of irony as a rhetorical strategy and literary device. After completing the activities with your small group over the next few days and discussing how it used in the poems, comic strips, and other media included, choose one of the following Irony Assignments to complete and turn in – your choice of one. Regardless of your choice, your completed assignment should demonstrate well your understanding of the concept of irony.


 * - Small Group Irony Activities: **// (we will do this part in class) //


 * Group 1: Irony Activity 1 -- Irony v. Ironing


 * Group 2: Irony Activity 2 -- The Far Side of Irony


 * Group 3: Irony Activity 3 -- Life's Ironies


 * Group 4: Irony Activity 4 -- Richard Cory


 * Group 5: Irony Activity 5 -- More of Life's Ironies


 * Group 6: Irony Activity 6- Alanis Morissette


 * - Individual Irony Assignment: ** //(we will not do this in class; instead, it is provided as a model)//


 * **1-**Write about a personal experience that you have had or that someone you know has had that was ironic in some way. Your **personal reflection** should be at least a ½ to 1 page in length—at least 1 well-written paragraph. //Extension: Record your reflection as a podcast.//


 * **2-**Write a **poem** based on the assignment that is included with the “Richard Cory” poem that features irony in some way. Try to model the structure of the “Richard Cory” poem—at least 4 stanzas and each stanza has 4 lines. //Extension: Create a storyboard for dramatizing your poem and then film it using a digital video camera.//


 * **3**-Create and draw your own ironic **comic** using the //Far Side// comics as examples. You can make your comic a strip with multiple panels and different scenes that go together (typically 3-4 windows) or you can just do one panel scene like Gary Larson. //Extension: Use ToonDoo or a similar application to create a web-based version of your cartoon strip.//