Verbal Irony in A Fellow of No Delicacy by A Fellow of No Delicacy

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Charles Dickens was an extremely popular author during the Victorian Age. His novels were published serially in magazines. Many accredit Dickens’ popularity to his well-written stories that were full of coincidence and fate. He used many literary elements including foreshadowing and verbal and dramatic irony to grab and hold the readers’ attention. Charles Dickens assuages his readers’ appetites for complex and sentimental plots with clever chapter titles, cliffhangers, and the overarching theme of fate.
Dickens uses verbal irony in chapter titles to reveal a person’s true character. He names the chapter dealing with Carton’s thoughts and feelings “A Fellow of No Delicacy” and the chapter about Stryver “A Fellow of Delicacy.” Stryver maintains the attitude that he would be bestowing a great gift upon Lucie if he were to make her his wife. His arrogance leads to anger when his love for Lucie is questioned. Stryver boldly announces his plans to tell her of her good fortune with no doubt in his mind that she will be overjoyed and thank him for brightening her future. He never considered whether or not she would even accept his marriage proposal or ever love him. Carton, on the other hand, eloquently says to Lucie, “If you will hear me through a little more, all you can ever do for me is done. I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul” (115). He is confessing his love for her without presuming that they will be married. Carton appears to be apathetic, but once he gathers the courage to tell Lucie his true feelings for her his words are thoughtful and beautiful. He goes on to tell her, ”… when you see your own bright beauty springing up anew at your feet, think now and then that there is a man who would give hi...

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...er life will be better with the love of her life at her side and it is the ultimate proof of his love and devotion. The sentimental values in A Tale of Two Cities appealed to the original Victorian readers just as they appeal to its modern readers.
Charles Dickens’ writings are still able to mesmerize readers with a captivating story by employing verbal irony in chapter titles, hooks at the end of chapters, and the role of fate in each character’s life. The story suggests that a person is fated to do something for a person they love, and that is what gives their life purpose. Nostalgic and romantic feelings draw the reader in and help them empathize with the characters. A thrilling plot and skillful use of literary elements make for an engaging story that has spoken to many generations.

Works Cited
Dickens, Charles. A Tale of Two Cities. N.p.: Dover, 1999. Print.

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