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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
Act 3, Scene 7
Explanation and Analysis—Unfit for State :
In Act 3, Scene 7, Richard "protests" against being given the responsibilities of the kingship. In a speech full of hyperbole and dramatic and verbal irony, he fakes humility to the Mayor of London:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Alas, why would you heap this care on me?
I am unfit for state and majesty;
I do beseech you, take it not amiss;
I cannot, nor I will not, yield to you.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Endure the Load:
Near the beginning of Act 4, Richard feigns reluctance to the Duke of Buckingham in accepting the crown, personifying "fortune" as a being who deposits burdens on unwitting folk. It's a scene of dramatic and verbal irony because—while the audience knows Richard's true intentions—his apparent unwillingness makes him seem like an ideal candidate for kingship:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Since you will buckle fortune on my back,
To bear her burden, whe’er I will or no,
I must have patience to endure the load;
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—An Honest Tale:
In this passage, Queen Elizabeth is attempting to fend off Richard's desire to court her daughter. She throws a barb at Richard using verbal irony, hinting that she understands he's trying to deceive her:
Unlock with LitCharts A+An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.
Related Themes:
