_______ occurs when a character’s words mean the opposite of their literal meaning.
Irony.
The literary device that occurs when a character's words mean the opposite of their literal meaning is called "verbal irony." Verbal irony is used to create humor, emphasize certain ideas, or convey a deeper meaning or hidden sarcasm. To identify and understand verbal irony in literature, you can follow these steps:
1. Read or listen to the character's dialogue carefully: Pay attention to the specific words and phrases the character uses.
2. Look for a contrast between the character's words and the situation: Consider the context and the events happening in the story. If the character's words seem contradictory or incongruous with the situation, verbal irony may be present.
3. Identify cues in tone and delivery: Consider the tone, intonation, or facial expressions used by the character when speaking. Sometimes, the delivery can give hints about the irony.
4. Analyze the effect of the irony: Think about what the irony adds to the story. Is it used for humor, criticism, or to highlight a discrepancy or deeper meaning?
By closely examining the character's words, context, delivery, and effect, you can identify and appreciate instances of verbal irony in literature.