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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
Part 1, Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Churn:
From time to time, Carney reflects on what he calls "churn": "Stuff comes in, it goes out, like the tides." The vague, euphemistic wording of this simile captures Carney's "don't ask, don't tell" mentality. This mentality also shines through in the vague diction and verbal irony with which Carney and other characters discuss the stolen goods they handle. Through the motif of churn, Whitehead demonstrates how Carney justifies his more crooked business dealings to himself and others.
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Part 1, Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Churn:
From time to time, Carney reflects on what he calls "churn": "Stuff comes in, it goes out, like the tides." The vague, euphemistic wording of this simile captures Carney's "don't ask, don't tell" mentality. This mentality also shines through in the vague diction and verbal irony with which Carney and other characters discuss the stolen goods they handle. Through the motif of churn, Whitehead demonstrates how Carney justifies his more crooked business dealings to himself and others.
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Related Themes:
