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Hyperbole
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
Act 1, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Tin-Foiled:
In a speech suffused with verbal irony, the intelligent and urbane Edward insults his naive cousin Stephen while seemingly complimenting him, using a series of metaphors related to metal to suggest that his cousin is of little value:
A wight that (hitherto) his every step hath left the stamp of a great foot behind him, as every word the savour of a strong spirit! And he! This man! So graced, gilded, or (to use a more fit metaphor) so tin-foiled by nature, as not ten housewives' pewter (again' a good time) shows more bright to the world than he! And he (as I said last, so I say again, and still shall say it)-this man!-to conceal such real ornaments as these, and shadow their glory, as a milliner's wife does her wrought stomacher, with a smoky lawn, or a black cyprus?
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 6
Explanation and Analysis—That Villain, Brainworm:
In a scene suffused with dramatic irony, Knowell, who has been attempting to follow his son through the city, accuses Brainworm of treachery while speaking to a poor veteran whom he has employed. Knowell, however, does not realize that he is making this accusation to Brainworm himself, in disguise:
Unlock with LitCharts A+KNOWELL
Oh, here he is! You've made fair speed, believe me:
Where, i' the name of sloth, could you be thusBRAINWORM
Marry, peace be my comfort, where I thought I should have had little comfort of your worship's service.KNOWELL
How so?BRAINWORM
Oh, sir! Your coming to the City, your entertainment of me, and your sending me to watch-indeed, all the circumstances either of your charge, or my employment-are as open to your son as to yourself!KNOWELL
How should that be! Unless that villain, Brainworm,
Have told him of the letter, and discovered
All that I strictly charged him to conceal?
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 10
Explanation and Analysis—Kitely and Dame Kitely:
In the final two acts of the play, the various sub-plots converge in comedic scenes rife with misidentification and confusion. In a scene that exemplifies dramatic irony, Dame Kitely and Knowell meet outside of Cob’s house, each convinced that the other is there to indulge in an affair:
Unlock with LitCharts A+DAME KITELY
Oh, sir, have I forestalled your honest market?
Found your close walks? You stand amazed, now, do you?
I' faith, I am glad, I have smoked you yet at last!
What is your jewel, trow? In; come, let's see her
(Fetch forth your huswife, dame) […]
Your wife, an honest woman,
Is meat twice sod to you, sir? Oh, you treacher!KNOWELL
She cannot counterfeit thus palpably.KITELY
Out on thy more-than-strumpet's impudence!
Steal'st thou thus to thy haunts? And have I taken
Thy bawd, and thee, and thy companion.
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