Which literary device is characterized by a contrast between expectation and reality?

The correct answer, ironic contrast, refers to a specific literary device that highlights the difference between what is expected to happen and what actually occurs. This device often creates a sense of humor, surprise, or poignancy in a text, as the disparity between expectation and reality becomes evident.

In literature, irony can take various forms; when it is specifically noted for its contrasting elements, it effectively invites readers to recognize the twist of fate or the unexpected outcomes that defy logical assumptions. For instance, a situation might promise one thing based on prior context or popular belief, yet the reality presented subverts that promise, offering richness to the narrative and engaging readers on a deeper cognitive level.

In contrast, hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally. Juxtaposition involves placing two contrasting elements side by side, but it doesn't inherently imply an expectation vs. reality dynamic. Paradox involves a statement that contradicts itself but may possess an underlying truth, and while it also plays with contrasting ideas, it doesn’t focus specifically on the irony stemming from unmet expectations.