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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 1
Explanation and Analysis—Boredom:
In Chapter 1, Gwendolen finds herself increasingly drawn to Daniel Deronda, constantly musing on what he thinks of her. In the following excerpt, while discussing Daniel with another patron, Gwendolen utilizes verbal irony to express her interest in the man:
“Not in the least. I always know what they will say. I can’t at all guess what this Mr. Deronda would say. What does he say?”
“Nothing, chiefly. I sat with his party for a good hour last night on the terrace, and he never spoke—and was not smoking either. He looked bored.”
“Another reason why I should like to know him. I am always bored.”
Gwendolen states that she is "always bored," which is an ironic way of referring to herself as an active person with many interests. Gwendolen seems to infer that Daniel's boredom derives from an active mind, which she herself values and purports to possess. Given this, Gwendolen surmises that Daniel must be an interesting and intellectually prominent person, someone she wants to associate with. While Daniel is intelligent, his boredom also stems from a moral condemnation of the gambling around him. Gwendolen assumes that Daniel is a kindred spirit; in reality, the two share different values.
