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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
Chapter 9
Explanation and Analysis—The Window Tax:
When the Crawfords and Bertrams visit Mr. Rushworth’s estate and receive a tour from his mother, the narrator makes an allusion to the “window tax”:
Having visited many more rooms than could be supposed to be of any other use than to contribute to the window tax, and find employment for housemaids, “Now,” said Mrs. Rushworth, “we are coming to the chapel, which properly we ought to enter from above, and look down upon; but as we are quite among friends, I will take you in this way, if you will excuse me.”
Related Themes:
Chapter 36
Explanation and Analysis—Fanny's "Friend":
In an example of verbal irony, the narrator refers to Mary as Fanny’s “friend” near the end of the novel—choosing to put the word in quotes:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The promised visit from her “friend” […] was a formidable threat to Fanny, and she lived in continual terror of it […] Her displeasure, her penetration, and her happiness were all fearful to encounter; and the dependence of having others present when they met, was Fanny’s only support in looking forward to it.
Related Themes:
