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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 6: A Deserter in Time of War
Explanation and Analysis—Privilege of a Good Cause:
Winston Niles Rumfoord employs stark verbal irony to characterize the Martian invasion force's purpose, using elevated, moralistic language that conceals the grim, cynical truth about the war’s utter futility.
The verbal irony occurs during a conversation between Rumfoord, Unk, and Boaz just as Unk and Boaz are preparing to launch their ship from Mars to follow the fleet:
“We got to catch up, buddy,” said Boaz. “Them boys ain’t going to attack, if they don’t have a mother ship along. What they going to fight for?” “For the privilege of being the first army that ever died in a good cause,” said Rumfoord. “How’s that?” said Boaz. “Never mind,” said Rumfoord.
Related Themes:
