Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

How is irony typically used in literature?

1. To advance the plot.

2. To illustrate a character's flaws and weaknesses.

3. To emphasize the themes and ideas of a work.

4. To create a sense of comedy and humor.

The correct answer is: To create a sense of comedy and humor.

Irony is commonly used in literature to create a sense of comedy and humor. It can be seen in various forms such as sarcasm, situational irony, and dramatic irony. However, the other options are incorrect because they do not fully capture the purpose of irony in literature. While it can advance the plot, its main purpose is to add a layer of depth and meaning to a story. Similarly, while it can illustrate a character's flaws and weaknesses, its primary function is not to do so. Additionally, while it can emphasize themes and ideas of a work, this is not the main reason for its use. Irony is used in literature to evoke a certain response from the reader, often by creating a sense of incongruity or surprise. As such, the correct answer is D To create a sense of comedy and humor.