Question

Which sentence in this excerpt from "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman shows the use of verbal irony?

I don't like our room a bit.

I wanted one downstairs that opened on the piazza and had roses all over the window, and such pretty old-fashioned chintz hangings! but John would not hear of it.

He said there was only one window and not room for two beds, and no near room for him if he took another.

He is very careful and loving, and hardly lets me stir without special direction.

Answer 1

@Preetha @radar

Answer 2

@Mehek14

Answer 3

I'll try

Answer 4

okay thanks

Answer 5

NP

Answer 6

ok so, according to the dictionary, verbal irony is irony in which a person says or writes one thing and means another, or uses words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of the literal meaning.

Answer 7

does that make sense so far?

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

Good. Now back to the question. Which one do you think it would be?

Answer 10

i think its B

Answer 11

Can you explain why?

Answer 12

Also, C sounds kinda weird. I've never read the book before but are you sure those are the exact words from the book?

Answer 13

oh wait, I'm sorry I misinterpreted it my bad

Answer 14

okay

Answer 15

So, again why do you think it is B?

Answer 16

just a guess

Answer 17

OK. That's fine. Let's work it out together shall we?

Answer 18

ok

Answer 19

You already know that irony is when events are words appear to be the opposite of reality. Verbal Irony is when words express something contrary to truth or someone says the opposite of what they really feel or mean. Verbal irony is often sarcastic.

Answer 20

oh okay

Answer 21

Verbal irony is used in a variety of circumstances. It may be used in general conversation or also in media. Television sitcoms and movies often use verbal irony, as do many political pundits.

Verbal irony is often stated in the form of a metaphor or simile. Comparisons and contrasts are used to create a visualization for the listener or reader.

Answer 22

im lost

Answer 23

I'll give you some examples:

Soft like a brick
Hard as putty
Clear like dirt
As pleasant as surgery
Saying “Oh, fantastic!” when the situation is actually very poor
As calm as a dog in heat
One got in a car accident and said “Lucky me!”

Answer 24

Ok, well you know what metaphors and similes are, right?

Answer 25

so the last one?

Answer 26

hm... I've never read the book so I'm not entirely sure because none of these sound like verbal irony. However, if I did read the book I would get to know the characters and know what type of situation they're in. Did you read the book or is this just some random question on a test?

Answer 27

or both?

Answer 28

random test

Answer 29

I think I need a little help here @radar

Answer 30

So, you've never read the book, correct?

Answer 31

it was the last one

Answer 32

Oh, I'm sorry did I get it wrong for you or did you pick the last one?

Answer 33

I wish I could've been of better help