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Imagery
Definition of Irony
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how... read full definition
Key Examples in Death on the Nile
Chapter Nine
Explanation and Analysis—The Poor Relation:
In Chapter 9, Poirot displays a more sarcastic side when he uses verbal irony. It seems he doesn't like how Miss Van Schuyler bosses around her "poor relation" Cornelia:
"[Miss Van Schuyler] was frightfully kind and said it would be quite all right for me to come.”
“That was very gracious of her,” said Poirot dryly. The ingenuous Cornelia agreed unsuspectingly.
Related Themes:
Chapter Twenty-Five
Explanation and Analysis—Delighted:
In Chapter 25, Poirot asks Pennington to come in for an interview after Mrs Otterbourne's murder. In his reluctant agreement, Pennington employs verbal irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Will you come to my cabin in half an hour’s time?”
“I should be delighted.” Pennington did not sound delighted. He did not look delighted either. Race and Poirot exchanged glances and then abruptly left the room.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Lord Dawlish:
In Chapter 25, Poirot reveals to Miss Van Schuyler that the young communist upstart Ferguson is, in fact, a wealthy nobleman. The moment is full of situational irony—not only because Ferguson's background doesn't line up with his ideals, but also because Miss Van Schuyler has spent the entire trip trying to make powerful and wealthy acquaintances.
Unlock with LitCharts A+“You recognized him, I suppose?”
“Recognized him?”
“Calls himself Ferguson and won’t use his title because of his advanced ideas.”
“His title?” Miss Van Schuyler’s tone was sharp.
“Yes, that’s young Lord Dawlish. Rolling in money, of course, but he became a communist when he was at Oxford.”
Related Themes:
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Explanation and Analysis—Delighted:
In Chapter 25, Poirot asks Pennington to come in for an interview after Mrs Otterbourne's murder. In his reluctant agreement, Pennington employs verbal irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"Will you come to my cabin in half an hour’s time?”
“I should be delighted.” Pennington did not sound delighted. He did not look delighted either. Race and Poirot exchanged glances and then abruptly left the room.
Related Themes:
