Irony Decoded offers a comprehensive exploration of irony, a powerful tool in communication, rhetoric, and cultural studies. The book investigates irony's historical roots, its diverse functions in contemporary language and media, and its broader cultural significance. It highlights how irony, far from being a mere stylistic device, shapes meaning, mediates social interactions, and drives cultural change. One intriguing fact is that the correct identification of irony is crucial to the maintenance of social harmony. The book traces irony's evolution from ancient rhetoric to modern literary theory, examining the contributions of key thinkers. It emphasizes that irony's effectiveness lies in creating a gap between surface appearance and underlying reality, prompting critical reflection.
The book is structured in three parts, beginning with the core concepts of irony such as verbal, situational, and dramatic irony. It then delves into practical applications in literature, film, and everyday conversation before exploring the cultural implications of irony in shaping identity and fostering critical thinking.
