Previous
Tone
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
Prologue
Explanation and Analysis—Prologue:
In the prologue, Congreve uses verbal irony (saying the opposite of what he means, through the actor who plays Fainall) to set up the witty satire that is about to follow:
Satire, he thinks, you ought not to expect;
For so reformed a town who dares correct?
To please, this time, has been his sole pretence;
He’ll not instruct, lest it should give offence.
Should he by chance a knave or fool expose,
That hurts none here, sure here are none of those.
In short, our play, shall (with your leave to show it)
Give you one instance of a passive poet.
Who to your judgments yields all resignation;
So save or damn, after your own discretion.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Scandal in the Park:
In Act 2, Scene 2, Mrs. Fainall asks Mirabell to walk with her to finish the story that was interrupted the night before, when her mother threw him out of her house. She uses verbal irony to explain why it makes sense for the two of them to walk together without Fainall:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[Fainall] has a humour more prevailing than his curiosity and will willingly dispense with the hearing of one scandalous story, to avoid giving an occasion to make another by being seen to walk with his wife. This way Mr Mirabell, and I dare promise you will oblige us both.
Related Themes:
Act 4, Scene 12
Explanation and Analysis—Tenter of Expectation:
In Act 4, Scene 12, Lady Wishfort pleads with Waitwell (who she believes is Sir Rowland) to pardon her long absence to deal with her drunken nephew and his friends. Waitwell's response uses imagery that is laden with verbal irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+My impatience madam, is the effect of my transport; and till I have the possession of your adorable person, I am tantalized on a rack, and do but hang, madam, on the tenter of expectation.
Related Themes:
