Question

Today was the day. Ernesto was going to confront his father. In fact, Ernesto was going to face himself. He had long made the decision of going to college for social work, but he could not dare tell his father. Ernesto's family was made of lawyers and war veterans. Even his cousins were in law school. But his heart desired a different path. His father knew about his acceptance but not about the program he had chosen to study. So, Ernesto had to state the fact to his expectant father.
"Father, I have decided to study social work at Yale," he said.
The father responded with his back facing Ernesto, " "

Which of these would best fill in the blank and add verbal irony or sarcasm to this passage?
A.
Congratulations on your acceptance, son!
B.
Why are you not listening to your father?
C.
Well, doesn't that just light up my day!
D.
They teach social work at that university?

Answer 1

C

"Well, doesn't that just light up my day!" is clearly sarcastic—an ostensibly positive remark that actually conveys displeasure. The others are either sincere (A), scolding (B), or merely incredulous rather than overtly ironic (D).