Barbara Winkler
Stephanie, a teenage girl, sits on the front steps of a house, holding an envelope. The stage is organized in a manner that allows the audience to see inside. In the living room, a last-minute surprise party is organized. Half a dozen people scurry around the room, blowing up balloons and stringing streamers. Several party guests assemble a large banner that exclaims, "Congratulations, Anthony!"
Anthony, Stephanie's brother, walks toward the front door.
STEPHANIE: (Stands up, flashing an exuberant smile) There you are!
ANTHONY: (Listlessly) Here I am. (Collapses on the steps, looking dejected)
STEPHANIE: (Sits again) What's wrong?
ANTHONY: (Despondently) Everything.
STEPHANIE: (In a boisterous tone) I have something that might cheer you up!
ANTHONY: (Looks away and addresses the audience in an aside) What could possibly cheer me up? At this point, I'm a collegiate failure. After applying to seven universities, I've been rejected by six of them. I just can't figure out where I went wrong. Yes, the college admissions process is extremely complicated, but I thought my credentials spoke for themselves: straight-A student, volunteers for local charitable organizations, participates in extracurricular activities, involved in the student government, successfully juggles school with part-time employment.
(With an exasperated sigh) It's so frustrating! I was so optimistic when I mailed out my applications, but now I can't help feeling a little cynical about the entire process. Each successive rejection only accentuates my feelings of inadequacy. Most of my friends already know which university they'll attend in the fall, and I'm still trying to reconcile the fact that I might not be going to college next semester. I feel so disconnected from them right now—while they're mapping out their futures, reviewing the curriculum for freshman year, and filling out roommate questionnaires, I'm still stuck in limbo. Everyone's been sympathetic and supportive, but their reassurances offer little comfort.
ANTHONY: (Looks back at Stephanie) What did you want to tell me?
STEPHANIE: You don't want to hazard a guess?
ANTHONY: (Sarcastically) I got into college.
STEPHANIE: (Nodding vigorously, she hands the letter to Anthony.)
ANTHONY: (Disbelieving) I got into college? (Reads the letter, looking overwhelmed)
STEPHANIE: (Stands up and helps Anthony to his feet) Wipe that dazed look off your face and come inside! Everyone wants to congratulate you!
Anthony and Stephanie enter the house. Everyone yells, "Surprise!" Confetti and streamers fly through the air as Anthony receives hugs and handshakes from various friends and family members.
Question
What is the BEST example of verbal irony in this scene?
Responses
A ANTHONY: Here I am.ANTHONY: Here I am.
B ANTHONY: (Sarcastically) I got into college.ANTHONY: (Sarcastically) I got into college.
C STEPHANIE: You don't want to hazard a guess?STEPHANIE: You don't want to hazard a guess?
D (Anthony reads the letter, looking overwhelmed.)(Anthony reads the letter, looking overwhelmed.)
1 answer
The BEST example of verbal irony in this scene is:
B ANTHONY: (Sarcastically) I got into college.
This line is ironic because Anthony is not genuinely expressing joy or surprise; instead, he is using sarcasm to convey his disbelief, given the context of his recent rejections from other universities.
