Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is an example of verbal irony?

1. When a character takes words literally.

2. When a character states what they mean.

3. When a character states something that contradicts the meaning.

4. When a character speaks in an allegoric manner.

The correct answer is: When a character states something that contradicts the meaning.

An example of verbal irony is when a character states something that contradicts the intended meaning, often to express sarcasm or humor. Option A is incorrect because it describes a literal interpretation of words. Option B is also incorrect because it describes straightforward speech. Option D is incorrect because allegory is a form of extended metaphor, not verbal irony. Option C accurately describes verbal irony in which words are used to convey a different meaning than what is stated.