English Literature IGCSE
Irony
What Irony means in English Literature IGCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Irony
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
A gap between what is said and what is meant, or what is expected and what happens.
A contrast between expectation and reality.
Topics that use Irony
- Pride and Prejudice (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)
- Things Fall Apart (Pearson Edexcel IGCSE)
Related terms
- Anagnorisis
- Entailment
- Foil
- Foreshadowing
- Free Indirect Discourse
- Patriarchy
- Postcolonial Literature
- Satire
Using Irony in the exam
Definition questions usually carry one or two marks, and examiners look for the precise wording. Write the definition from memory, check it against the version above, and then use the term in a longer answer on the same topic so it sticks.
Practise English Literature questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All English Literature IGCSE terms7 days Premium · Then free forever · No card, no charge