Question

The last line of the scene, when "Proctor (laughing bitterly) says, 'Oh Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!'” is an example of which of the following literary devices?

Answer 1

The last line of the scene, "Proctor (laughing bitterly) says, 'Oh Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!'" is an example of verbal irony.

Verbal irony is a literary device in which the words used by a character express something different from, and often opposite to, what they literally mean. In this case, Proctor is speaking ironically, his words express that Elizabeth's justice is cold and unfeeling, but what he says is not what he means. He is expressing his frustration and bitterness towards Elizabeth's attitude and justice.

Step-by-step explanation: