Read the excerpt. Pip is a young boy living with his sister and his brother-in-law
Joe, who is a blacksmith.
from Great Expectations
When I was old enough, I was to be apprenticed to Joe, and until I could assume that dignity I was not to be what Mrs. Joe called
"Pompeyed," or (as I render it) pampered. Therefore, I was not only odd-boy about the forge, but if any neighbour happened to want an extra boy
to frighten birds, or pick up stones, or do any such job, I was favoured with the employment. In order, however, that our superior position might not
be compromised thereby, a money-box was kept on the kitchen mantel-shelf, in to which it was publicly made known that all my earnings were
dropped. I have an impression that they were to be contributed eventually towards the liquidation of the National Debt, but I know I had no hope of
any personal participation in the treasure.
(from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens)
How does the use of verbal irony contribute to the reader's understanding of Pip?
1. It highlights Pip's appreciation for the advantages he is given.
2. It illustrates the author's depiction of Pip as an ambitious young man.
3. It emphasizes Pip's unfortunate situation by making it sound dignified.
4. It contributes to the view that Pip is kind and enjoys helping his neighbors.