Irony occurs when:
- The literal meaning of a statement is different from or opposite to the speaker’s real intention.
- The speaker says something apparently reasonable but actually means something else beneath the surface.
In these lines:
“Had we but world enough, and time,
This coyness, lady, were no crime.”
Literal meaning:
If they had unlimited time and space, her coyness would not be wrong.
Intended meaning:
They do not have unlimited time or space, so her coyness is a problem right now.
The speaker pretends to excuse her behavior, but in reality, he is criticizing it.
This contrast between what is said and what is meant creates irony.
Year-wise PYQs
