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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 The Giver
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Releasing Room:
In Chapter 4, Jonas discusses Release with Larissa. Their conversation contains dramatic irony and verbal irony that work together to reveal the start of a power struggle between individual citizens and the Committee:
Jonas grinned. “I wish I’d been there to see [the Release].”
Larissa frowned. “I don’t know why they don’t let children come. Not enough room, I guess. They should enlarge the Releasing Room.”
“We’ll have to suggest that to the committee. Maybe they’d study it,” Jonas said slyly, and Larissa chortled with laughter.
Related Themes:
