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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 10
Explanation and Analysis—Arthur's Blood:
Over the course of Chapter 10, Van Helsing and Dr. Seward try desperately to save Lucy's life, often resorting to blood transfusion. When the two men ask Arthur Holmwood, Lucy's betrothed, to assist them in the quest to save her life, he responds with an ironic hyperbole:
"What can I do?" asked Arthur hoarsely. "Tell me, and I shall do it. My life is hers, and I would give the last drop of blood in my body for her." The Professor has a strongly humorous side, and I could from old detect a trace of its origin in his answer:
"My young sir, I do not ask so much as that - not the last!"
To express the extent of his devotion to Lucy, Arthur utilizes a common hyperbole, stating that he would give "the last drop of blood" in his body to Lucy. In most cases, such a statement is used to emphasize how committed a person is to their cause or to another person; however, all of that person's blood is not literally required for the task. Ironically, and unbeknownst to Arthur, Van Helsing actually does require his blood for the transfusion procedure that will save Lucy's life.
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