Orlando: Verbal Irony 1 key example

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 5
Explanation and Analysis—I'm Dead, Sir!:

When Orlando encounters Shel for the first time in Chapter 5 of Orlando, she lies frozen on the ground, experiencing some sort of delirium. Moments later, when Shel approaches her to inquire about her condition, she replies with verbal irony:

“Madam,” the man cried, leaping to the ground, “you’re hurt!” “I’m dead, Sir!” she replied. A few minutes later, they became engaged.