Question

In a literary work, what is irony?

A. An explanation of an event that took place before the story begins
B. An element in a story that evokes pity or compassion for the characters
C. The underlying reason a tragic hero causes a tragedy to happen
D. A situation in which the outcome of events contradicts what is expected

irony - the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect: