Irony is a literacy device characterized by a deliberate contrast between what is expected to happen to a character and the actual outcome. But it can also apply to situations.
Madame Bovary is centered on the notions of romanticism and Flauberts moves to criticize these thoughts using the pitiable yet laughable character of Emma. In doing this, Flaubert greatly employs irony and in many forms; situational, dramatic and character. It is a technique he employs to satirize an expose the characters, challenge beliefs develop plot, heighten meaning but also guide readers on themes.
Flauberts use of irony also adds a bitter twist to the novels tragic ending.
In Medea, irony is a tool that is employed to not just expose characters, but make a statement about them. Euripides also uses it to draw the participation of the audience, either by influencing them like, understand or out rightly resent characters. Specific incidents of irony in both texts also have specific significance as discussed below.
The ironies in Madame Bovary are exemplified with contrasts. For example, in part 1, a contrast is made between the Bovarys rustic wedding and the breath-taking ball at the Marquis.
The irony here is that, Emma, who for ages has dreamt of holding or throwing such balls, is actually the guest-and a low guest at that. When deciding to invite them to the ball, Marquis, quips: An invitation to the young couple would exceed neither the bounds of concedescension nor those of social responsibilities is mentioned. But it is at the ball-proper that Emma, her marriage to Charles and her dreams are scorned upon through the contrast of balls. Here is how Emma is mesmerized:
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