Which of the following best describes irony in literature?

Irony in literature is effectively illustrated as a surprising contrast between expectations and reality. This can manifest in various forms, such as verbal irony, where what is said is in stark contrast to what is meant; situational irony, where an event occurs that is contrary to what was expected; and dramatic irony, where the audience knows something that the characters do not.

For example, if a fire station burns down, the expectation would be that a fire station, which is meant to combat fires, would be a safe place from such incidents. The actual outcome contradicts this expectation, highlighting the irony.

Other options provide a different focus, such as explaining events clearly or providing a straightforward narrative, which do not capture the essence of irony. Similarly, a descriptive passage may not necessarily involve any contrast or unexpected twist, which is key to understanding literary irony. Therefore, the first option most accurately encapsulates the concept of irony in literature.