When to use irony and when to use sarcasm?

Question

As I understand it,irony presents a word/ value and follows up by undercutting our expectations of the literal or expected meaning of the word/ value. Ex. of irony from Chaucer-

THE PRINCESS IS CHARITABLE,
SHE WEEPS WHEN SHE SEES AN ANIMAL IN PAIN.

Doesn't irony mock the object of the irony? Or can irony be used in a non-mocking way? Is there less judgement in irony than in sarcasm?

Answer 1

Well, you don't really "use" irony...It just happens. It's the result of a situation, not a manner of speaking.

You use sarcasm, in the way that you speak.

I don't see that your example is ironic or sarcastic. It sounds to me like the princess is a charitable person, who cries when she sees an animal in pain.

Irony would be something like, "The princess cried when she saw the animal in pain, but was perfectly fine watching the criminal being hanged"...See how those two behaviors contradict each other? That's irony.

Sarcasm would be like saying, "The princess cried when she saw the animal in pain", when in reality, she was laughing about it.

Answer 2

One of the more interesting questions on answers.

Sarcasm is more of an insult; irony tries to communicate indirectly.

More info on this link.

And a ton more info from a search irony vs sarcasm. They got sardonic in there, if you want to explore more.

Answer 3

Finally, a really smart question for a change. Unfotunately I have to feign ignorence of those answers....I am tired and have been convinced by your lucid style and calibre you are just the man who could answer his own question!

Answer 4

I think that sarcasm is more intentional and therefore there is more judgement.
Irony is one of those things that occur
Eample:
Alanis M song - isnt it ironic