One of the most taught literary terms is irony. In both fiction and in life, irony is all around. Common types of irony are: verbal, situational, and dramatic. It is critical that students distinguish between each type as they read. Asking students to create storyboards that depict each type of irony makes teaching these elements a breeze.
Poe is a master of using irony in his work, and often just one type at a time. Students will enjoy identifying the use of irony in "The Cask of Amontillado.
A prime example of verbal irony in "The Cask of Amontillado" is when an unsuspecting Fortunato is being led to his death by his former acquaintance, Montresor. As Montresor lures him into the catacombs, he questions Fortunato about his well-being. Montresor notices Fortunato has a cough, which is growing more severe the farther down the catacombs they travel. He asks if Fortunato would like to turn back. Fortunato replies, “I shall not die of a cough.” Montresor knowingly replies, “True – true.” The audience finds out at the end that this was in fact use of verbal irony. Montresor appeared to mean that the cough was harmless, but what he was also saying was that he planned to kill Fortunato.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Use This Assignment With My Students", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting the types of irony used in "The Cask of Amontillado."
Grade Level 6-12
Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)
Type of Assignment Individual or Partner
Type of Activity: Three Types of Irony
Common Core Standards
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 25 Points | Proficient 21 Points | Emerging 17 Points | Try Again 13 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Types of Irony: | Student followed the task for this assignment. They included three different forms of irony, and correctly explained them. | Student has two forms of irony displayed and correctly explained. | Student only has two or three types displayed, but not correctly supported | Work attempts to show irony however, it's unclear or only presents one type. |
| Provides Irony Using Direct Quotes | The student has clearly provided the reader with three different examples of irony and they are clearly explained in an exemplary way. | Student clearly provided the reader with two examples of irony. However, the examples may not be exemplary. | Student has identified one or two weak example of irony. | Student has not identified irony in the story through use of direct quotations. |
| Understand the Effect of Irony Through explanation | Student has provided a clear example of the effect of all three types of irony and explained in great detail. | Student has provided explanations of the effect of the irony for two or three examples of irony in sufficient detail. | Student has attempted to provide an explanation of the effect of one or two example(s) of irony in limited detail. | Student did not provide any explanations of irony from the reading. |
| Overall Presentation: | Student has no errors and the work is commendable. | Student has very few errors. Good effort has been displayed. | Student has some mechanical issues; little effort is shown; somewhat appealing; partially incomplete. | Student has grammar, mechanic or correctness issues that prohibit the understanding of Irony; or incomplete; visually unappealing. |
