Verbal Irony
Verbal irony occurs when a character says something but means another. The words used by the character are intended to emphasize a different meaning, and this is often done with a sarcastic tone.
Higgins: "If she gives you any trouble, wallop her."
....
Mrs. Pearce: "You must be reasonable, Mr. Higgins: really you must. You cant walk over everybody like this.
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Higgins: "We must help her to prepare and fit herself for her new station in life. I did not wish to hurt her delicacy, or yours" (Shaw 37-38, Act II).
There is verbal irony in Henry's dialogue because he should be treating Eliza well and encouraging her to take on the customs of the upper class. However, he is treating her like garbage and sarcastically says he never intended to hurt her feelings.
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Mrs. Pearce: "You must be reasonable, Mr. Higgins: really you must. You cant walk over everybody like this.
...
Higgins: "We must help her to prepare and fit herself for her new station in life. I did not wish to hurt her delicacy, or yours" (Shaw 37-38, Act II).
There is verbal irony in Henry's dialogue because he should be treating Eliza well and encouraging her to take on the customs of the upper class. However, he is treating her like garbage and sarcastically says he never intended to hurt her feelings.