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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 (The Magnet Attracting: A Waif Amid Forces)
Explanation and Analysis—Descend and Return:
At the start of the novel, the narrator introduces Carrie’s naive worldview by employing verbal irony and foreshadowing. They hint at the vast changes and travels awaiting her:
To be sure there was always the next station, where one might descend and return. There was the great city, bound more closely by these very trains which came up daily. Columbia City was not so very far away, even once she was in Chicago. What, pray, is a few hours—a few hundred miles?
Related Themes:
Chapter 5 (A Glittering Night Flower: The Use of a Name)
Explanation and Analysis—Who Sees Spirits:
When Hurstwood and Drouet see a prominent spiritualist entering the bar they’re drinking at, they engage in a wry back-and-forth full of verbal irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"See that fellow coming in there?" said Hurstwood, glancing at a gentleman just entering, arrayed in a high hat and Prince Albert coat, his fat cheeks puffed and red as with good eating. [...]
“Who is he?”
“That’s Jules Wallace, the spiritualist.”
Drouet followed him with his eyes, much interested.
“Doesn’t look much like a man who sees spirits, does he?” said Drouet.
“Oh, I don’t know,” returned Hurstwood. “He’s got the money, all right,” and a little twinkle passed over his eyes.
Related Themes:
