Changes

'''Cosmic irony''' is predicated upon the notion that the fates, the gods, or the universe are either capricious or ultimately indifferent to human suffering.  Thus, irony results from the contrast between the pathos of mankind's struggles and their ultimate futility.  Cosmic irony is a hallmark of the naturalist literary movement; the works of [[Thomas Hardy]], in particular, invoke cosmic irony on a routine basis.  

'''Cosmic irony''' is predicated upon the notion that the fates, the gods, or the universe are either capricious or ultimately indifferent to human suffering.  Thus, irony results from the contrast between the pathos of mankind's struggles and their ultimate futility.  Cosmic irony is a hallmark of the naturalist literary movement; the works of [[Thomas Hardy]], in particular, invoke cosmic irony on a routine basis.  

The current situation is further clouded by the fact that literature, cinema, fashion and behaviour can now be described as [[post irony|post ironic]]. This term is often used when a statement is made which is insulting, and which potentially could be true, is not meant as an insult. An example of this is being asked "Does my bum look big in this?", and replying: "It's looks bigger than an elephant's". This taken on face value could be seen to be insulting. However the implication here is that this latter statement is ironic, and no insult is intended. The problem with post irony is that it is often difficult to distinguish between fashion gaffs, insults and poor literature and attempts to be 'cool', 'subtle', and 'sophisticated'. <ref> For further clarification on this see the urban dictionary definition at http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=post-ironic </ref>

The current situation is further clouded by the fact that literature, cinema, fashion and behaviour can now be described as [[post irony|post ironic]]. This term is often used when a statement is made which is insulting, and which potentially could be true, is not meant as an insult. An example of this is being asked "Does my bum look big in this?", and replying: "It's looks bigger than an elephant's". This taken on face value could be seen to be insulting. However the implication here is that this latter statement is ironic, and no insult is intended. The problem with post irony is that it is often difficult to distinguish between fashion gaffs, insults and poor literature and attempts to be 'cool', 'subtle', and 'sophisticated'. <ref> For further clarification on this see the urban dictionary definition at http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=post-ironic </ref>