What literary device describes a situation where there is a contrast between reality and what seems to be true?

The literary device that describes a situation where there is a contrast between reality and what seems to be true is irony. This concept highlights the discrepancies between expectations and outcomes, leading to situations that are often surprising or humorous. Irony can manifest in various forms, such as verbal irony, where someone says one thing but means another, and situational irony, where acts or events result in outcomes that are contrary to what was expected.

For instance, if a fire station burns down, this showcases situational irony because one would not expect a place dedicated to extinguishing fires to be engulfed in flames. Irony engages readers and challenges their perceptions, prompting deeper reflection about the nature of truth versus appearances. This understanding of irony allows for appreciation of more complex literary themes and character motivations.