Forme e segnali dell'ironia nella retorica greca di epoca tarda

The article aims to investigate the notion of ‘irony’ from a rhetorical point of view, with particular reference to Greek late-century manuals that identify different kinds of irony and propose definitions, classifications and examples. Irony, which is dealt with in the theory of elocutio, is conceived as a rhetorical device by which the speakers can conceal their own opinions or leads those who are listening to understand the opposite of what is being said. The ironic intent is revealed through extralinguistic signals (intonation, gestures, face expression) that allow listeners to distinguish irony from other rhetorical procedures.