"There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of the first refinements of polished society."
"Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance."
– Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 6. Sir William Lucas tries to engage Mr. Darcy about the pleasures and popularity of dancing. Sir William holds it up as one of the great examples of civilized society. But Darcy shows his dislike for the practice by saying sarcastically that "every savage can dance." Yet moments later Darcy unexpectedly changes his tune and wishes to dance with Elizabeth – this is an example of situational irony. Elizabeth refuses him point blank. She in turn uses verbal irony when she says, meaning the opposite: "Mr. Darcy is all politeness."