Irony plays an important role in developing the narration and tone of a story. read this sentence from “bartleby, the scrivener.” what is the verbal irony in this excerpt? what does the use of irony tell the reader? in that direction, my windows commanded an unobstructed view of a lofty brick wall, black by age and everlasting shade; which wall required no spy-glass to bring out its lurking beauties, but, for the benefit of all near-sighted spectators, was pushed up to within ten feet of my window panes.