Verbalis when dialogue (or sometimes narration) appears to say one thing on the surface
but really means something else entirely. It is often sarcastic and used for satirical purposes,
which is certainly the case in 's .
"It is demonstrable," said he, "that things cannot be otherwise than as
they are; for as all things have been created for some end, they must necessarily be created for
the best end. Observe, for instance, the nose is formed for spectacles, therefore we wear
spectacles. The legs are visibly designed for stockings, accordingly we wear stockings. Stones
were made to be hewn and to construct castles, therefore My Lord has a magnificent castle; for
the greatest baron in the province ought to be the best lodged. Swine were intended to be eaten,
therefore we eat pork all the year round: and they, who assert that everything is right, do not
express themselves correctly; they should say that everything is best."
This passage from the beginning chapter of
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