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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 Jungle Book
3. Kaa’s Hunting
Explanation and Analysis—Still and Cool!:
When he gets back from his time with the apes, Baloo’s reaction to Mowgli’s protestations is rich with verbal irony and hyperbole. In this passage, Baloo demonstrates his disdain toward the idea of monkeys showing genuine pity or kindness:
‘When Baloo hurt my head,’ said Mowgli (he was still on his back), ‘I went away, and the grey apes came down from the trees and had pity on me. No one else cared.’
He snuffled a little.
‘The pity of the Monkey-People!’ Baloo snorted. ‘The stillness of the mountain stream! The cool of the summer sun! [...]'
Related Themes:
