What is "irony" in literature?

Irony in literature refers specifically to a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. This juxtaposition often highlights the complexity of a situation, revealing truths about characters, situations, or society that might not be immediately obvious. For example, a character may strive for success only to find themselves facing unexpected setbacks, or a situation may unfold in a way that is the opposite of what one might anticipate, leading to humorous or poignant effects. This element of surprise adds depth and richness to literary works, prompting the reader to think critically about the underlying meanings.

The other options describe different literary techniques but do not encapsulate the essence of irony. Creating suspense involves building tension for what might happen next, symbolic language conveys deeper meanings through symbols, and figurative language generally refers to language that goes beyond the literal meanings of words, such as metaphors and similes. While they all enhance literary works, they do not specifically address the idea of a contrast between expectation and reality that is central to irony.