China - Land of the Dragon

Irony

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Identify the main theme of Confucianism.
Learn about different kinds of irony.

DISCUSSION

Confucianism

551–479 BCE

Confucianism is the philosophy based on the teachings of Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC), who was an important Chinese philosopher. Confucianism has a complete system of moral, social, political, and religious thought, and has had a large influence on the history of Chinese civilization.

Main Theme of Confucianism

The theme is the central idea in a literary work.

The main idea of Confucianism is the importance of having a good moral character, which can then affect the world around that person through the idea of “cosmic harmony.” If the emperor has moral perfection, his rule will be peaceful and benevolent.

IRONY

Irony is a figure of speech in which you use words to suggest a meaning that is opposite of what you really think. When the facts are very different from how they are.

Confucius, the “Master Kong” of China has extraordinary impact on Asian thought. It is ironic that so little can be known about him.

Types of Irony

1. Verbal irony – saying one thing when you really mean the opposite or contrary.

2. Situational irony – what actually happens is the opposite of what is expected.

3. Dramatic irony – the reader or audience knows something a character does not.

Verbal Irony

"What lovely weather we have today!"

The weather is obviously horrible, but the speaker says the opposite.

Situational Irony

When two friends show up at a party wearing the same dress after promising each other that they would wear something different.

Dramatic Irony

We (the audience) knew the couple should not go walking in the woods, because the killer is there, but they still go walking in the woods.

#facepalm

ASSESSMENT

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