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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
Part 4, Chapter 9: Growing Anxiety/Two Grandfathers and a Twilight Boat Ride
Explanation and Analysis—Tantalus:
In an ironic passage, Frau Stöhr uses both a metaphor and an allusion that underscore her perception of medical treatment at the Berghof as a kind of punishment:
Frau Stöhr’s affectations were dreadful to behold. “Good God,” she said, “it’s always the same, as the gentleman knows himself. One takes two steps forward and three back—and when one has served one’s five months, the boss comes and adds another six to your sentence. Ah, the tortures of Tantalus. You push and push, and you think you’ve reached the top of the hill…”
“Oh, how prettily you express it. You’ve finally put a little variety into poor Tantalus’s life. You’ve let him roll the famous marble boulder for a change.
Related Themes:
Part 4, Chapter 10: The Thermometer
Explanation and Analysis—Not Untalented:
Before Hans is scheduled to leave the Berghof, he meets with Director Behrens to discuss various symptoms that he has begun to experience. Despite arriving at the sanatorium in a state of good health, he now feels that he has “a little fever” in addition to shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat. With a clear sense of verbal irony, Director Behrens praises Hans as being “not at all untalented” in being ill.
Unlock with LitCharts A+“You don’t say!” Behrens exclaimed. “And I suppose you think that’s news to me, do you? Do you think I don’t have eyes in my head?” And he pointed with one massive forefinger at his own two bloodshot, watery, protruding blue eyes. “How high is it, then?”
Hans Castorp modestly supplied the numbers.
“In the morning? Hmm, not bad. Not at all untalented for a beginner. Well, then, you can fall in, two by two, tomorrow. It will be an honor. And now, do go in and savor your taking of nourishment.”
Related Themes:
Part 5, Chapter 5: Encyclopedia
Explanation and Analysis—Passport:
Despite Settembrini’s warning to leave the Berghof as soon as possible, Hans stays for the full three weeks of his reservation and, after developing a fever, extends his stay at the sanatorium. Looking over the younger man’s X-ray results, Settembrini uses a simile that compares them to a passport:
Unlock with LitCharts A+He watched the young man laugh and then asked, “And the copy of your X-ray—have you received it?”
“I did indeed receive it,” Hans Castorp confirmed with importance. “Just recently. Here it is.” And he reached for his inside breast pocket.
“Ah, you carry it in your wallet. As a kind of identification, like a passport or membership card. Very good. Let me see.” And Herr Settembrini raised the little glass plate framed with black paper up to the light [...] “Yes, yes,” he said at last. “Here you have your legitimation—thank you so much.”
Related Themes:
