Previous
Tone
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
Act 3, Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—A Grave Look:
Under the guise of Piato the “panderer,” Vindice arranges a sexual encounter between the Duke and the poisoned skeleton of his own late fiancée, Gloriana, who was poisoned by the Duke nine years before the events depicted in the play. Vindice’s language in this scene exemplifies verbal irony, as his speech, full of morbid double entendres, exploits the darkly comedic potential of the Duke’s ignorance of his plan:
Duke. Piato, well done. Hast brought her; what lady is’t?
Vindice. ’Faith my lord, a country lady: a little bashful at first as most of them are, but
after the first kiss, my lord, the worst is past with them. Your grace knows now what
you have to do. She’s somewhat a grave look with her – but –Duke. I love that best: conduct her.
Vindice. [Aside] Have at all! [Brings forward the dressed skull.]
Vindice describes the skeleton to the Duke, characterizing her as “a little bashful at first.” To the Duke, this description suggests that the woman is modest, which appeals to his desire to “corrupt” others; however, Vindice’s characterization also highlights, with grim humor, the important fact that the young lady in question is slow to respond to his advances because she is, in fact, dead. With further verbal irony, Vindice notes that she has “a grave look with her,” which indicates to the Duke that she has a “grave” or solemn personality, but which also serves as another morbid pun. In this scene, Vindice takes great pleasure in teasing and taunting the Duke, who does not recognize the danger he is in nor the double meanings of Vindice's language.
Related Themes:
