Definition of Verbal Irony
Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of what someone says is different from—and often opposite to—what they actually mean. When there's a hurricane raging outside and someone remarks "what... read full definition
Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of what someone says is different from—and often opposite to—what they actually mean. When there's a hurricane raging... read full definition
Verbal irony occurs when the literal meaning of what someone says is different from—and often opposite to—what they actually mean... read full definition
Verbal Irony
Explanation and Analysis—Mr. Henderson’s Sarcasm:
Throughout the story, the men use verbal irony to mock Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Peters for caring about domestic activities and “trifles,” such as Mrs. Wright’s abandoned canning jars and unfinished quilt. The final lines of the story contain one such example of this use of irony:
"Well, Henry," said the county attorney facetiously, "at least we found out that she was not going to quilt it. She was going to—what is it you call it, ladies?" […]
"Knot it," was [Mrs. Hale’s] low reply.
He did not see her eyes.