that relates facts true in a different sense from that meant by the speaker, thus conveying a reverse effect from the one intended.
A text for the first kind is furnished by Noah Claypole, the sordid bully and snob, prompt to retaliate on one still lower in the scale of circumstance than himself:[1]
"This affords charming food for contemplation. It shows us
what a charming thing human nature may be made to be;
and how impartially the same amiable qualities are developed
in the finest lord and the dirtiest charity-boy."
Another is the Chuzzlewit Family, introduced by a long
prologue of ironic symbolism. Specifically there is the
eulogy of the head of the present branch of it:[2]
"Some people likened him to a direction post, which is always
telling the way to a place, and never goes there: but these were
his enemies; the shadows cast by his brightness; that was all."
Later in his illustrious career, he is upheld in his holy
horror at the mercenary diplomacy of a landlady. Mr.
Pecksniff rebukes,—
"Oh, Baal, Baal! Oh my friend, Mrs. Todgers! To barter
away that precious jewel, self-esteem, and cringe to any mortal
creature—for eighteen shillings a week!"
And Dickens echoes,[3]
"Eighteen shillings a week! Just, most just, they censure,
upright Pecksniff! Had it been for the sake of a ribbon, star,
or garter; sleeves of lawn, a great man's smile, a seat in parliament,
a tap upon the shoulder from a courtly sword; a place,
a party, or a thriving lie, or eighteen thousand pounds, or even
eighteen hundred,—but to worship the golden calf for eighteen
shillings a week! Oh pitiful, pitiful!"
