The Story of an Hour Irony Analysis Activity

Activity Overview

One of the most-taught literary terms is irony. In fiction, and in life, irony is all around. Common types of irony are: verbal, situational, and dramatic. It is critical that students distinguish between the types of irony. Asking students to create storyboards that depict each type of irony makes teaching these elements a breeze.

The entire short story is one long set up for an ironic twist. Have students create a storyboard using descriptive labels to show what the dramatic and situational irony brought about by the unexpected end.

Situational Irony

The difference between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

Ironic Twist
While Mrs. Mallard is secretly reveling in the thought of her husband's death in the train accident, he miraculously walks away from it.

Dramatic Irony

The reader is more aware of what is happening than a character.

Ironic Twist
Everyone believes Mrs. Mallard died from the "happy" shock that her husband was alive. In truth, her shock was that of massive disappointment and sadness.

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Template and Class Instructions

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Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that depicts examples of situational and dramatic irony in the story.

Click "Start Assignment".
In the first column, define the two types of irony.
In the second column, create an image that depicts what happened in the story.
In the third column, illustrate and explain the ironic twist that is the result of the reality.
Save and Exit

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-8

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group

Type of Activity: Three Types of Irony

Common Core Standards

[ELA-Literacy/L/8/5] Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings

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Rubric

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Rubric

	Proficient	Emerging	Beginning
Illustrations	The illustrations use appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the assignment.
Evidence of Effort	Work is well written and carefully thought out.	Work shows some evidence of effort.	Work shows little evidence of any effort.
Conventions	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect.