verbal irony
Verbal irony involves what one does not mean. In simple terms, when a person says one thing and means another.
Pygmalion Example: In act five, Mrs. Higgins makes use of verbal irony in response to her son, Professor Higgins; “Higgins: Don’t you dare try this game on me. I taught it you; and it doesn’t take me in. Get up and come home; and don’t be a fool.” “Mrs. Higgins: Very nicely put, indeed, Henry. No woman could resist such an invitation.” Mrs. Higgins means the opposite of what she is saying. She uses verbal irony to point out how rude and ineffective Higgins is being to Eliza. |