Which type of irony involves a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs?

The correct answer highlights a concept known as situational irony, which occurs when there is a significant difference between what is anticipated or expected to happen and what ultimately transpires. This type of irony underscores the unpredictability of life, revealing how events can take unexpected turns that contrast sharply with the expectations formed by characters or the audience.

For example, if a fire station burns down, the situation starkly contrasts with the expectation that a place dedicated to preventing fires would be safe from them. This irony often serves to create a sense of humor or poignancy in literary works, enhancing themes and character development.

In contrast, other types of irony focus on different relationships. Dramatic irony involves a situation where the audience or readers know more about the circumstances than the characters, leading to tension or humor. Verbal irony pertains to a speaker saying one thing but meaning another, often in the form of sarcasm. Cosmic irony, sometimes referred to as fate or irony of fate, deals with a conflict between human desires and the indifferent forces of the universe. Each of these forms of irony contributes to the richness of literary expression, but situational irony specifically addresses the chasm between expectation and reality.