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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
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Contraband:
As the Nazi Party begins their crackdown on French civilian life in The Nightingale, Vianne and her close friends and family find themselves having to turn over any property the Nazis consider to be contraband. Weapons, valuables, and radios must be turned in to presiding S.S. officers, a development Rachel sarcastically states is entirely unexpected:
"Bastards,” Isabelle said as they moved into an alley. “And I was so sure they’d let us keep our guns,” Rachel said, lighting up a cigarette, inhaling deeply and exhaling in a rush. “I’m keeping our gun, I can tell you,” Isabelle said in a loud voice. “And our radio.”
In their desire to control the means of communication, culture, and movement in occupied France, the Nazi Party forces residents to give up property, under threat of death. Rachel's comment that "I was so sure they'd let us keep our guns" is an example of verbal irony, for it is apparent that guns—being the powerful weapons of destruction that they are—are items of interest for the Nazis, who seek a weak and easily-controllable European population. Rachel's comment in the passage above may be satirical and ironic, but it also exposes a truth of war: guns are incredibly valuable tools and weapons, and by trying to control their circulation, the Nazi Party can control the people themselves.
Related Themes:
