Previous
Tone
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 The Count of Monte Cristo
Chapter 7 – The Interrogation
Explanation and Analysis—Villefort's "Goodness":
In Chapter 7, Dantès faces the first horrors of his wrongful imprisonment as he discusses his interrogation with Villefort, in an exchange that includes both verbal and dramatic irony:
‘Monsieur, your interrogation has brought up the most serious charges against you, so I am no longer able, as I had first hoped, to set you free immediately. Before I can take that step, I must consult the examining magistrates. Meanwhile, you have seen how I have treated you.’
‘Oh, yes, Monsieur,’ Dantès exclaimed, ‘and I thank you, because you have been more of a friend to me than a judge.’
‘Well, I must keep you prisoner a little while longer, but for as short a time as I can. The main charge against you is the existence of this letter, and you see …’
Villefort went over to the fireplace, threw the letter into the fire and waited until it was reduced to ashes. ‘ … and you see, I have destroyed it.’
‘Monsieur!’ Dantès exclaimed. ‘You are more than justice, you are goodness itself!’
Related Themes:
Chapter 105 – The Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Explanation and Analysis—The Rhetoric of Eulogy:
In Chapter 105, the funeral for Valentine takes place at the Père Lachaise cemetery. In Dumas's account, a series of rhetorically masterful but emotionally empty eulogies follow that lavish Valentine with praise for supposedly upholding justice on behalf of the criminals her father, Villefort, would prosecute. The eulogies make heavy use of irony and metaphor:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Some had been found who were ingenious enough to have discovered that the young woman had more than once implored M. de Villefort on behalf of guilty men over whose head the sword of justice was suspended.
Related Themes:
