Question

select the correct answer. which of these sentences best describes verbal irony?
a. it illustrates ways in which the characters and people cannot control their own fate.

b. it involves using words or actions to convey the opposite of the literal meaning.

c. it occurs when a character unknowingly reveals a personal insight or truth.

d. it adds depth to a story because the reader knows more than the story’s characters.

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A describes the concept of fate/determinism, not verbal irony.
• Option B: Verbal irony is defined as using words (or actions) to convey the opposite of their literal meaning. This matches the definition.
• Option C describes dramatic irony or a character's revelation (like in a soliloquy or aside), not verbal irony.
• Option D describes dramatic irony (reader knows more than characters), not verbal irony.

Answer:

B. It involves using words or actions to convey the opposite of the literal meaning.