Irony

Irony is such a delicious tool for a writer -- it rebukes, it calls to account, it amuses; it is subtle and salty.  Just to be clear what we are talking about here, irony might be described as the conveyance of meaning, generally satirical, by words whose literal meaning is the opposite -- words of praise used as criticism etc. It is sarcasm's milder and much cleverer cousin, as it doesn't just deliver snide insults (although it is perfectly capable of that) it suggests a wider view of the world, or of a particular situation.  Jane Austen elevated the use of it to an art form, although that shouldn't frighten you off from having a go at it yourself - try writing a piece in which irony is the prevailing tone.

NB Today's door - see how the iron spikes are softened by shadowy fronds: irony is a bit like that, its barb softened by humour.