Defined Quote by Julian Barnes
“Irony ... may be defined as what people miss.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: "The Sense of an Ending", 2011
Irony is described as a failure to notice what is obvious, highlighting human blind spots.
In simple terms: Irony equals missing the obvious.
Key Takeaway
Pay attention to hidden meanings.
Themes
perception
humor
misunderstanding
truth
awareness
Mood
thoughtful
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- reading comprehension
- critical thinking
- social interaction
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Cognitive bias
communication gaps
literary device
Questions to Reflect On
- What ironies have you overlooked?
- How does recognizing irony change your view?
A Different Perspective
Irony can also reveal deeper truths when recognized.
![“All paradises, all utopias are defined by who is not there, by the people who are not allowed in. [Conversation with Elizabeth Farnsworth, PBS NewsHour , March 9, 1998]” quote by Toni Morrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/955/toni-morrison-271_communication_all-paradises-all-utopias-are-defined-by_3021786.jpg)
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
