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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
Verbal Irony
Explanation and Analysis—An Excellent Argument:
Through Sherlock's use of verbal irony, the story reveals his dry wit. Faced with the threat of Roylott retaliating against Sherlock and Watson for meddling in his affairs, Sherlock tells his companion:
I should be very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen who can twist steel pokers in knots. That and a toothbrush are, I think, all we need.
Sherlock tells Watson to bring his revolver on their trip to the manor at Stoke Moran because it will provide protection from Roylott's brute strength. His comment is an example of understatement, a form of verbal irony: a revolver, of course, is much more lethal than a counter-argument. Moreover, a man powerful enough to "twist steel pokers into knots" is unlikely to be deterred from inflicting violence by a convincing counter-argument. In addition, Sherlock's comment accentuates the danger that he and Watson will be in if they end up in a physical struggle with Roylott: if a revolver gets involved, people could die. In this way, by understating the danger in which he and Watson would find themselves if they were to confront Roylott head-on, Sherlock conversely accentuates that danger.
