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
Act 4, Scene 6
Explanation and Analysis—Medicinal Torture:
In Act 4, Scene 6, Voltore accuses Bonario and Celia of defamation for their remarks against Volpone in court. In a heated exchange with Bonario, Voltare uses verbal irony to disarm Bonario's bid to have Volpone tested for the diseases he claims to have:
Voltore: Would you ha’ him tortured?
Bonario: I Would have him proved.
Voltore: Best try him, then, with goads, or burning irons;
Put him to the strappado. I have heard
The rack hath cured the gout. Faith, give it him
And help him of a malady; be courteous.
I’ll undertake, before these honoured fathers,
He shall have yet as many left disease
As she has known adulterers, or thou strumpets.
Related Themes:
