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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 2
Explanation and Analysis—Kind-Hearted Ralph:
In the following excerpt from Chapter 2, Dickens recounts the history of the relationship between Ralph and Newman Noggs. Theirs is an alliance of exploitation: Ralph takes advantage of Newman, who has few options other than to work for the older man for insufficient pay. Dickens's narrator uses verbal irony to comment on this relationship:
The kind-hearted gentleman omitted to add that Newman Noggs, being utterly destitute, served him for rather less than the usual wages of a boy of thirteen.
Related Themes:
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Mrs. Squeers's Character:
In Chapter 8, Nicholas has the "pleasure" of meeting and speaking with Mr. and Mrs. Squeers, the couple who operates Dotheboys Hall. Both Mr. and Mrs. Squeers are remarkably out of touch, thinking highly of themselves and praising one another's character. Such praise could not be less merited. The Squeerses are wicked human beings who abuse orphaned children with impunity. The couple's lack of clarity about their immoral behavior produces several ironic moments, including the following example of verbal irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+[...] Smike received another box on the ear for presuming to contradict his mistress, together with a promise of a sound thrashing if he were not more respectful in future; so that he took nothing very advantageous by his motion.
[...]
‘I don’t know her equal,’ said Squeers; ‘I do not know her equal.
That woman, Nickleby, is always the same – always the same bustling, lively, active, saving creetur that you see her now.’
Related Themes:
