The Secret Agent Literary Devices

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

Explanation and Analysis—A Simple Tale:

The subtitle of The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale is a moment of wry verbal irony. At first glance, the subtitle A Simple Tale for a novel like this one seems paradoxical. Conrad's works are known for their intricate character development, detailed narrative layers, and for digging deeply into the reasons behind his characters’ actions. So, when he describes his story as "simple," it's a classic example of verbal irony—saying one thing and meaning another. The use of the word "simple" in the subtitle immediately strikes the reader as being at odds with the multi-faceted, intricate plotline of the book. Conrad, who’s also known for his frequent use of irony, leverages this disconnect to engage the reader's curiosity and challenge their initial perceptions of the novel.

Explanation and Analysis—Soft Rock:

In Chapter 2, the narrator employs an oxymoron referring to a rock to describe Mr. Verloc’s character. The verbal irony of the oxymoron in this passage reflects the conflicted nature of Verloc’s personality. As he walks through London on his way to the Embassy, the narrator remarks:

And Mr. Verloc, steady like a rock – a soft kind of rock – marched now along a street which could with every propriety be described as private.

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Explanation and Analysis—Protections:

As Verloc walks around London, Conrad leverages situational and verbal irony to juxtapose his idealistic vision of “opulence and luxury” with the reality of the city's corruption. As Verloc strolls along the streets on his way to the Russian embassy, the narrator tells readers that:

He surveyed through the park railings the evidences of the town’s opulence and luxury with an approving eye. All these people had to be protected. Protection is the first necessity of opulence and luxury. They had to be protected; and their horses, carriages, houses, servants had to be protected; and the source of their wealth had to be protected in the heart of the city and the heart of the country; the whole social order favorable to their hygienic idleness had to be protected against the shallow enviousness of unhygienic labour.

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The Secret Agent: Verbal Irony 3 key examples

Definition of Verbal Irony