Irony
Irony (i'-ron-ee) is the use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. “Prodigious birth of love it is to me / That I must love a loathèd enemy.” Romeo and Juliet, 1.5.152
Notes on Irony
Tempter or Tempted?
Read the NoteIn Measure for Measure (2.2.197), Angelo confronts, possibly for the first time in his life, the temptation of lust. And since this is new to him and because he is highly moralistic, he is troubled and confused. He reacts by asking himself a series of questions for which he has no answers.
What’s this? What’s this? Is this her fault,
… continue reading this note
Quotes including the Figure of Speech Irony
Why, how now, Claudio? Whence comes this restraint?
Read the QuoteLucio
Why, how now, Claudio? Whence comes this restraint?
Claudio
From too much liberty, my Lucio, liberty.Diacope
As surfeit is the father of much fast,Simile & Alliteration
So every scope by the immoderate use
Turns to restraint.Irony Our natures do pursue,
… continue reading this quote
If I profane with my unworthiest hand
Read the SonnetRomeo
If I profane with my unworthiest hand
This holy shrineMetaphor, the gentle sinOxymoron is this,
My lips, two blushing pilgrimsMetaphor, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.
My lips, two blushing pilgrimsMetaphor,
… continue reading this quote
What’s he that follows here, that would not dance?
Read the QuoteJuliet
What’s he that follows here, that would not dance?
Nurse
I know not.
Juliet
Go ask his name. The Nurse goes. If he be marrièd,
My grave is like to be my wedding bed.
My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, and known too late!
… continue reading this quote
‘Tis time to part
Read the QuoteTrebonius
’Tis time to part.
Cassius
But it is doubtful yet
Whether Caesar will come forth today or no,
For he is superstitious grown of late,
Quite from the main opinion he held once
Of fantasy, of dreams, and ceremonies.
But when I tell him he hates flatterers
He says he does,
… continue reading this quote
At what hour tomorrow Shall I attend your Lordship?
Read the QuoteIsabella
At what hour tomorrow
Shall I attend your Lordship?
Angelo
At any time ‘fore noon.
Isabella
Save your honor.
She exits, with Lucio and Provost.
O cunning enemy that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook.
… continue reading this quote
Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry?
Read the QuoteDuke, as Friar, to Juliet
Repent you, fair one, of the sin you carry?
Juliet
I do; and bear the shame most patiently.
I do repent me as it is an evil,
And take the shame with joy.
Duke, as Friar
I’ll teach you how you shall arraign your conscience,
… continue reading this quote
Sir, his wife some two months since fled
Read the QuoteFirst Lord
Sir, his wife some two months since fled
from his house. Her pretense is a pilgrimage to
Saint Jaques le Grand, which holy undertaking
with most austere sanctimony she accomplished.
And, there residing, the tenderness of her nature
became as a prey to her grief; in fine, made a groan
of her last breath,
… continue reading this quote