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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.
The "kind-hearted gentleman" referenced is Ralph, whom in the preceding paragraphs had been discussing Newman Noggs's unfortunate life circumstances with Mr. Bonney. Ralph situates himself as Newman's savior, but neglects to mention that he actually exploited and overworked the vulnerable young man. Dickens's "kind-hearted" epithet is intended as ironic—readers are well aware that Ralph is far from kind.
Dickens may also use this ironic epithet to describe Ralph because Ralph views himself as kind-hearted, or at the very least magnanimous, for taking Newman Noggs under his wing. Ralph "omit[s] to add" that Newman's employment occurred under duress and that Ralph is taking advantage of the young boy. Ralph may neglect to include this aspect of the story because he does not possess the ability to criticize his own behavior, nor hold himself accountable to it.
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:
[...] 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.’
Mrs. Squeers has many unsavory characteristics that her husband either ignores or does not consider unsavory. Either way, when Mr. Squeers states to Nicholas that he "don't know [Mrs. Squeers's] equal" immediately after she does deliberate, unprovoked physical harm to Smike, Mr. Squeers's words contradict the reality of Mrs. Squeers's character.
Related Themes:
