4.5.2　Directive Irony

For directive irony，the speaker attempts to urge the listener to do something.They may be very modest“attempts”as when I invite you to do it or suggest that you do it，or they may be very fierce attempts as when I insist that you do it.The speaker uses directive irony to express implied meanings，which are different or contrary to what he said.Between assertive irony and directive irony，the difference mainly lies in the direction of fit，the former intends to conform the utterances to the objective world，but the latter is quite contrary.

Example 27

“...and he has always answered my inquiries with the readiness of good-breeding and good nature.”（Elinor）

“That is to say，”cried Marianne contemptuously，“he has told you that in the East Indies the climate is hot，and the mosquitoes are troublesome.”

...

“Perhaps，”said Willoughby，“his observations may have extended to the existence of nabobs，gold mohrs，and palanquins.”

Here，Marianne's and Willoughby's utterances fell into the category of directive irony.It bore no relations with what Elinor praised Colonel Brandon for，violating the maxim of relevance of Cooperative Principle.They adopted the directive irony to show their disagreement with Elinor and their unfavorable impression about Colonel Brandon.Their implied meaning was：Colonel Brandon was not as knowledgeable as you saw him.He was too old to have the desire and taste about anything.