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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
Act 4
Explanation and Analysis—Pothinus:
In Act 4, Pothinus approaches Caesar, seeking a private audience with him to discuss Cleopatra's machinations. Unfortunately for Pothinus, Cleopatra appears before he can speak to Caesar. Nonetheless, the young king's caretaker presses onward, determined to share the information he came with the purpose of disclosing. Caesar responds to Pothinus' persistence with verbal irony:
POTHINUS: [his temper overcoming his prudence] I will speak.
CAESAR: [to Cleopatra] You see. Torture would not have wrung a word from him.
Related Themes:
