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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
Part 1: Les Trois Couronnes
Explanation and Analysis—Winterbourne the Busker:
Though much of the novella revolves around Winterbourne's struggle to make sense of Daisy, it's clear that she finds him strange in return. Despite this mutual mystification, they often engage in witty banter that is largely built on verbal irony. Their rapport can be gleaned from their conversation on the steamboat to Chillon, when Winterbourne asks if Daisy wants him to perform for money:
‘Should you like me to dance a hornpipe on the deck?’
‘Pray do, and I’ll carry round your hat. It will pay the expenses of our journey.’
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