select the verbal irony in the passage. as i started forward practically the whole population of the quarter…

select the verbal irony in the passage. as i started forward practically the whole population of the quarter flocked out of the houses and followed me. they had seen the rifle and were all shouting excitedly that i was going to shoot the elephant. they had not shown much interest in the elephant when he was merely ravaging their homes, but it was different now that he was going to be shot. it was a bit of fun to them, as it would be to an english crowd; besides they wanted the meat. from george orwell, \shooting an elephant.\ copyright 1946 by george orwell

select the verbal irony in the passage. as i started forward practically the whole population of the quarter flocked out of the houses and followed me. they had seen the rifle and were all shouting excitedly that i was going to shoot the elephant. they had not shown much interest in the elephant when he was merely ravaging their homes, but it was different now that he was going to be shot. it was a bit of fun to them, as it would be to an english crowd; besides they wanted the meat. from george orwell, \shooting an elephant.\ copyright 1946 by george orwell

Answer

Brief Explanations:

Verbal irony occurs when words are used to convey a meaning that is the opposite of their literal meaning. In the passage, the people were not interested in the elephant when it was "ravaging their homes" (causing destruction to their property), but became excited when it was going to be shot. This contrast between their lack of concern for the damage (a serious matter) and their excitement for the shooting (treated as "a bit of fun") shows verbal irony. The situation is ironic because one would expect people to be more concerned about the destruction of their homes (a negative, impactful event) than the shooting of the elephant (which is presented as a form of entertainment here).

Answer:

"They had not shown much interest in the elephant when he was merely ravaging their homes, but it was different now that he was going to be shot."