Question

In the following quote from Uncle Tom's Cabin, what literary technique is the author using when she refers to a “free country” while simultaneously professing ownership of a human being. “It’s a free country, sir; the man’s mine, and I do what I please with him, – that’s it!”

Answer 1

The novel  Uncle Tom's Cabin displays a dark picture of slavery, where the main character is a peaceful and pious slave. The term "Uncle Tom" was used as a bogey name for a subordinate person, a lower class. In this quote, the author uses verbal irony when speaking of a "free country". Verbal irony is used when spoken words mean the opposite of what of what these words really mean. The character in the novel speaks something that is contrary to the real meaning, creating a contrast, which is recognizable to the reader for the use of verbal irony. Character speaks of "free country" and has a slave. Often, verbal irony can be similar to sarcasm.

Answer 2

A. situational irony

B. Verbal irony

C. allusion

D. flashback