In verbal irony the words as printed or spoken do not carry the meaning they have on the surface: the underlying significance may be the exact opposite as in the cruder form called sarcasm. There is usually a trigger word or phrase which alerts the reader or listener to the presence of irony and the duality of intention.
The opening sentence of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a famous example:
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."
What the author means is that it is hoped, by wishful thinking, in this small community, that a rich bachelor will marry one of the spinsters available.
The trigger word is "universally" as no truth is accepted by everyone and so it must refer to a few people in this particular setting. Doubt is therefore cast on their deluded, optimistic and self-centred expectations. We assume comedy will follow.
Some useful hints about correct English and tips on literary analysis by Barbara Daniels (Doc Barbara) an ex-teacher with an Oxford M.A. in English Language and Literature and a London Ph. D
Single inverted commas
Although it is usual to enclose a word under discussion in single inverted commas, I have chosen instead to emphasise it in red to prevent confusion with apostrophes.
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These posts are always short and clear so that they can be read easily on a mobile if you follow by email (the red may not show, however!) This is completely free.
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