Reading for Pleasure & the Published Author I reveled in snarky book reviews and grinned wide, my lips curving into a knowing sneer. Playing Favorites At NASA JPL PAO - NASA Watch What is rather ironic, Doug, is that you engage in snarky commentary on my website - yet you chide others for doing exactly the same thing elsewhere. McCain Campaign Gets All Ironic in Obama’s Grill - Swampland. It’s common to hear snarky comments in all kinds of real-world situations.Whether or not you find the repeated use of what we called 'scare quotes' in graduate school a sign of pique or merely snarky is up to readers. It’s a device that can be used in everyday speech as well. A character might use a snarky comment when they want to express their distaste in a situation, irritation with another character, or are simply interested in lightening a heavy atmosphere. It’s a way to convey a character’s (or their own) wit in difficult and funny situations. Writers use snark in dialogue and narration. He has his daughter’s best interests at heart and in this quote, he’s revealing what a good father he is.Įxplore Jane Austen’s poetry, such as ‘ When Stretch’d On One’s Bed.’ Collins, and I will never see you again if you do. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Collins, a man she doesn’t love, he says:Īn unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. When speaking about Elizabeth’s possible engagement to Mr. One final example can be found in another passage from Mr. He turns her complaint around into a clever and witty comment about how often she complains about her nerves. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least. Bennet says that her husband has “no compassion for poor nerves.” Mr.

Also, consider these lines from earlier on in the novel in which Mrs. Here, he uses his wit to speak amusingly about Jane’s love affair and Elizabeth’s own prospects at love. He is a pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably. Here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all the young ladies in the country.

When is your turn to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. It is something to think of, and it gives her a sort of distinction among her companions. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then. When speaking to Elizabeth, he uses the following quote (speaking about Elizabeth’s sister, Jane). In this well-loved novel, readers can find numerous examples of snark. Or, more broadly, why he belongs to the family he does. In this case, she’s asking Romeo why his name is Romeo. It doesn’t have to be cruel, outrageous, or over the top. This is an example of how lightly and cleverly a snarky comment can be used. She doesn’t know Romeo is right below her. She says them during the balcony scene while leaning outside her window. These lines are used in Act II Scene 2 and are spoken by Juliet. Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou, Romeo? For example, consider these lines from the play: But, when analyzed fully, they’re quite effective. They can be hard to detect considering his use of language and the complex nature of many of the characters. In this famed tragedy, Shakespeare uses several different examples of snark. Snark is most appealing to those who are in on the joke but aren’t the ones being criticized.Įxamples of Snark in Literature Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare They aren’t planned or easily duplicated with the same effect. These are usually unsolicited comments that are delivered offhandedly. Readers should be able to detect cynicism and sarcasm in the comment. Depending on how it’s used, the comment might come across as funny, cruel, or clever.

Someone who makes a snarky comment is criticizing something sharply, sometimes using humor and wit.

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