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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 Love's Labor's Lost
Act 4, Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Dark is Light:
Dumaine, Longaville, and the king mock Berowne’s interest in Rosaline. In so doing, Dumaine in particular employs verbal irony:
DUMAINE
To look like her are chimney-sweepers black.LONGAVILLE
And since her time are colliers counted bright.KING
And Ethiopes of their sweet complexion crack.DUMAINE
Dark needs no candle now, for dark is light.
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