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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
Volume 1, Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—My Gay Garments:
In this exchange from the beginning of the novel, Scott employs personification and verbal irony to humorously demonstrate Wamba’s reluctance to follow Gurth's instructions. When Gurth tells him to get up and fetch the pigs, the jester responds:
‘Truly,’ said Wamba, without stirring from the spot, ‘I have consulted my legs upon this matter, and they are altogether of opinion, that to carry my gay garments through these sloughs, would be an act of unfriendship to my sovereign person and royal wardrobe; wherefore, Gurth, I advise thee to call off Fangs, and leave the herd to their destiny [...]'
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Volume 1, Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—Love and Beauty:
At the end of the Ashby tournament, Scott uses situational irony to highlight the unexpected moment where Rowena, a Saxon, is chosen as Queen of Love and Beauty over all the Norman women present. This causes a stir, as it’s contrary to the expectations of all the watching nobles and their spouses:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There was some murmuring among the damsels of Norman descent, who were as much unused to see the preference given to a Saxon beauty, as the nobles were to sustain defeat in the games of chivalry which they themselves had introduced. But these sounds of disaffection were drowned by the popular shout of ‘Long live the Lady Rowena, the chosen and lawful Queen of Love and of Beauty!’ to which many added, ‘Long live the Saxon Princess! long live the race of the immortal Alfred!’
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Volume 1, Chapter 12
Explanation and Analysis—Ivanhoe's Accident:
After the dramatic victory at Ashby, Scott utilizes situational irony to emphasize the unexpected outcome of Ivanhoe's triumph in the tournament. He wins, but is horribly injured in the process and quickly collapses:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The knight stooped his head, and lay prostrate at Rowena's feet. There was a general consternation. Cedric, who had been struck mute by the sudden appearance of his banished son, now rushed forward, as if to separate him from Rowena. But this had been already accomplished by the marshals of the field, who, guessing the cause of Ivanhoe’s swoon, had hastened to disarm him, and found that the head of a lance had penetrated his breastplate, and inflicted a wound upon his side.
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Volume 2, Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Earth and Sea and Sky:
In this passage, Walter Scott employs an idiom and situational irony to convey Bois-Guilbert's response to Rebecca's threats to kill herself rather than submit to him. As he tries to coax her down from the tower, he makes the following vow:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The Templar hesitated, and a resolution which had never yielded to pity or distress, gave way to his admiration of her fortitude. ‘Come down,’ he said, ‘rash girl! – I swear by earth, and sea, and sky, I will offer thee no offence.’
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