Situational irony occurs when:

Situational irony occurs when:

• A. Characters are unaware of the truth
• B. Outcomes are the opposite of what is expected
• C. Humor is used through exaggeration
• D. Comparisons are made without using "like" or "as"

Answer: (B)

Situational irony is characterized by outcomes that are the opposite of what one would expect. This literary device creates a surprising twist that often highlights the difference between appearance and reality. For example, a fire station burning down would be a situation where one expects a fire station to be safe from fire because it deals with fire regularly; however, the irony lies in that it is the very place designed to combat fires that experiences one. This unexpected reversal of circumstances underscores the essence of situational irony, making it distinct from other forms of irony or humor found in literature. The other options touch on different literary concepts that do not align with the definition of situational irony.

Situational irony is characterized by outcomes that are the opposite of what one would expect. This literary device creates a surprising twist that often highlights the difference between appearance and reality. For example, a fire station burning down would be a situation where one expects a fire station to be safe from fire because it deals with fire regularly; however, the irony lies in that it is the very place designed to combat fires that experiences one. This unexpected reversal of circumstances underscores the essence of situational irony, making it distinct from other forms of irony or humor found in literature. The other options touch on different literary concepts that do not align with the definition of situational irony.