Question

Irony plays an important role in developing the narration and tone of a story. Read this sentence from “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” What is the verbal irony in this excerpt? What does the use of irony tell the reader? In that direction, my windows commanded an unobstructed view of a lofty brick wall, black by age and everlasting shade; which wall required no spy-glass to bring out its lurking beauties, but, for the benefit of all near-sighted spectators, was pushed up to within ten feet of my window panes.

Answer 1

The verbal irony here is “my windows commanded an unobstructed view of a lofty brick wall”
This use of irony tells the reader that there was a perfect view of a brick wall from the windows

Answer 2

The sentence is filled with verbal irony. If taken literally, the reader would think that the narrator enjoys the beauty of old, blackened brick walls, and is pleased that his window is so close to one as to afford him a good view. Identifying the use of verbal irony in this sentence allows the reader to understand that the narrator is actually disgruntled with the scene his window presents.