What is an example of verbal irony in The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe?

Answer 1

Verbal irony in which although the narrator loves his wife he brains her with an axe

Answer 2

Verbal irony presents itself well in Stevenson's story (Stevenson 1-78). "I am quite sure of him," replied Jekyll, "I have grounds for certainty that I cannot share with anyone." (Stevenson 30). Jekyll is speaking about his good friend Mr. Hyde, whom no one knows is his divided "other" personality (Stevenson 30). Literally, Jekyll knows Hyde very well, but cannot disclose certain personal information about Hyde's life that he does not wish to share; yet the reader finds out later, that Jekyll is merely looking for a loophole in order to diverge from talking about his evil alter ego (Stevenson 30). Stevenson puts subtle details into the things his characters say and do, and one who is smart will catch the verbal ironies that sprout from these sayings (Stevenson 1-78).

"It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it." (Stevenson 37). This example of verbal irony can be interpreted in many different ways (Stevenson 37). One might think of it in the literal, analytical sense, or one might choose to ponder it philosophically (Stevenson 37). Stevenson does a wonderful job in creating phrases that perplex the reader and make us wonder what he could have meant (Stevenson 1-78).

Answer 3

One example of verbal irony in "The Black Cat" by Edgar Allan Poe is when the narrator refers to himself as "sagacious," meaning wise or shrewd, despite his increasingly irrational and wicked behavior throughout the story. This contrast between his self-perception and his actions highlights the disconnect between his words and his actual character.

Answer 4

page 3