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Irony
Explanation and Analysis—That Villain, Brainworm:
In a scene suffused with dramatic irony, Knowell, who has been attempting to follow his son through the city, accuses Brainworm of treachery while speaking to a poor veteran whom he has employed. Knowell, however, does not realize that he is making this accusation to Brainworm himself, in disguise:
KNOWELL
Oh, here he is! You've made fair speed, believe me:
Where, i' the name of sloth, could you be thusBRAINWORM
Marry, peace be my comfort, where I thought I should have had little comfort of your worship's service.KNOWELL
How so?BRAINWORM
Oh, sir! Your coming to the City, your entertainment of me, and your sending me to watch-indeed, all the circumstances either of your charge, or my employment-are as open to your son as to yourself!KNOWELL
How should that be! Unless that villain, Brainworm,
Have told him of the letter, and discovered
All that I strictly charged him to conceal?
When the disguised Brainworm returns after being absent for several scenes, Knowell accuses him of being lazy and slow. The disguised Brainworm responds by sharing some important news: Edward, Knowell’s son, is aware of Knowell’s actions and his movements through the city. A shocked Knowell expresses his surprise, arguing that his servant, “that villain, Brainworm,” must have alerted his son. Much of the comedy of this scene stems from Knowell’s misidentification. He is in fact talking to Brainworm himself, who—in his feigned persona—is content to pin the blame on his own true identity.
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