How is irony defined in literature?

Irony in literature is primarily understood as a situation where the intended meaning is opposite to what is expected. This form of expression can create depth and provoke thought within a narrative. In this context, irony serves to highlight discrepancies between appearance and reality, often leading the audience to arrive at insights that contrast with their original expectations.

For instance, when a character in a story expects something catastrophic to happen and instead experiences a moment of unexpected joy, that situation embodies irony. Moreover, irony can manifest in various forms, such as verbal irony where the speaker says one thing but means another, or situational irony where an outcome is contrary to what was anticipated.

The other definitions provided focus on aspects that do not fully capture the breadth of irony. While the first choice leans towards a particular form of verbal irony, it does not encompass the broader implications of irony in literary contexts. The humorous or sarcastic remark option narrows the definition too specifically, and the hint about future events relates more to foreshadowing than irony itself.