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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
Key Examples in Ivy Day in the Committee Room
Verbal Irony
Explanation and Analysis—A City Father:
While sitting in the Committee Room with his fellow canvassers by the fire, Henchy jokes about becoming a “City Father,” or a leader in Dublin politics. He and the other men sardonically envision such a situation, using verbal irony in the process:
– By God! I’m thinking seriously of becoming a City Father myself. What do you think? Would I do for the job?
Mr O’Connor laughed.
[…]
– Driving out of the Mansion House, said Mr Henchy, in all my vermin, with Jack here standing up behind me in a powdered wig – eh?
– And make me your private secretary, John.
– Yes. And I’ll make Father Keon my private chaplain. We’ll have a family party.
Related Themes:
