what is irony and satire ? Explain with the example of 'The Frog And The Nightingale' By Vikram Seth

Dear Student.

Irony is the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning; a statement or situation where the meaning is contradicted by the appearance or presentation of the idea.

Satire is a way of criticising someone or something in which you use humour to show their faults or weakness. It exposes the stupidity of a person or an event.

Here are some value points which may help you develop this answer on irony in the poem:

• frog calls the tree his own and says he had been known for his "splendid baritone"
• gives tips on the technique of singing, though his own voice was not good
• the bird was greatly flattered and impressed that a 'noted critic' had talked about her art and throat
• frog is called a Mozart by the nightingale; she was unaware of his actual reputation as a singer
• he says without his help she will never be winner
• he says that the amount he will charge for the training will not hurt her, but it actually took its toil and she died
• Your song must be your own.