he says the characters are both foolish and wise.
it means that it's a sentence that doesn't mean what it says.So in a way it's using verbal irony(sarcasm).
Act 1 Scene 2 Line 128 Cassius says: "'Tis true this go did shake" He is using verbal irony by calling Caesar a god, when really he is showing one of his mortal flaws
The verbal irony in Abigail's line "Fear naught. I will save you tomorrow" is in the fact that she is pretending to offer reassurance and protection to the person she is speaking to, but in reality, she is a manipulative character who cannot be trusted. Her words are hollow and deceptive because she is actually using the situation to further her own agenda.
By using verbal irony, Anne is sarcastically suggesting that the combination of eating rotten potatoes with something else would be seen as delicious. By contrasting the unpleasant idea of eating rotten potatoes with the positive connotation of being delicious, Anne creates a humorous or satirical effect.
Language that is marked by, or given to using irony in order to mock or convey contempt. It can also be considered derisive speech.
Irony.
The literary device being used in this situation is irony. Irony involves a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually occurs, creating a sense of contrast or incongruity in the narrative.
Irony is a literary device where there is a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. In "The Gift of the Magi," the irony is that both the husband and wife sacrifice their most prized possessions to buy gifts for each other, only to find out that the gifts are no longer useful because of their sacrifices. This shows the irony of their actions and the unexpected outcome of their selfless gestures.
Verbal art is a form of creative expression using words.
This is a great irony of history which forms the central part of his story.
Irony
O. Henry creates surprise in "The Gift of the Magi" by using irony. The structure of the story builds up the expectations of the readers, leading them to believe one thing, only to reveal a twist at the end that surprises them. This surprise is achieved through the careful placement of clues and misdirection throughout the narrative.