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Definition of Irony
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how... read full definition
Key Examples in The Merchant of Venice
Irony
Explanation and Analysis—Portia as Balthazar:
The primary example of dramatic irony occurs in Act 4, scene 1, when Portia disguises herself as Balthazar, the lawyer—the audience knows this is the case, but no one in the court does (except Nerissa, who is also in disguise). Doctor Bellario, Portia's cousin and a lawyer himself, writes of Balthazar in a letter to the Duke, “I never knew so young a body with so old a head." This description alludes to Portia's disguise as both a male lawyer and a young person of great prudence. Her deception carries into Act 4, scene 2, when she (still disguised) persuades Bassanio to surrender his wedding ring to her; it continues in Act 5 when she feigns outrage over her husband's betrayal.
Related Themes:
Irony
Explanation and Analysis—Christian Cruelty:
One of the great ironies of Merchant is how the Christian characters—who base most of their actions in the Bible, and who we would therefore expect to support good faith and compassion—exhibit immense cruelty. This irony has led numerous modern critics to view the play as satirical, with the goal of inspiring audiences to reflect upon their own morality.
Related Themes:
Irony
Explanation and Analysis—The Wedding Rings:
Situational irony arises when an event occurs that is different from what is expected to happen. For instance, Portia and Nerissa offer rings to their fiancés, claiming that their love will endure as long as the rings are not given away. But in Act 4, the women themselves plot to get the rings back while disguised as the lawyer Balthazar and his clerk. Through dishonesty and persuasiveness, they manage to take the rings back from Bassanio and Gratiano. Soon after, in Act 5, they torment their fiancés by claiming that they slept with the men who took the rings, and they threaten to end their relationships. The audience hardly expects Portia and Nerissa—who gave the rings in the first place and demanded that their husbands keep them—to not only take back what they gave, but to continue their charade in such an elaborate, borderline cruel, fashion.
Related Themes:
Act 2, scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Portia's Sarcasm:
When the Prince of Morocco arrives to partake in the casket game, he implores Portia not to judge him based on his darker skin tone. In an instance of dramatic irony, Portia then replies,
Unlock with LitCharts A+In terms of choice I am not solely led
By nice direction of a maiden’s eyes;
Besides, the lott’ry of my destiny
Bars me the right of voluntary choosing.
But if my father had not scanted me
And hedged me by his wit to yield myself
His wife who wins me by that means I told you,
Yourself, renownèd prince, then stood as fair
As any comer I have looked on yet
For my affection.
Related Themes:
