> "They were always so clean and well-fed, and they always had a car. They were always so sure of themselves, and they always had plenty of money."
Here's why this is verbal irony:
* Ponyboy presents the Socs in a positive light, emphasizing their wealth and privilege. However, throughout the novel, the reader learns that these superficial advantages actually contribute to their arrogance, emptiness, and even cruelty.
* The irony lies in the contrast between Ponyboy's seemingly positive description and the reality of the Socs' behavior. Their wealth and privilege don't make them happy or morally superior.
This example of verbal irony highlights a key theme in the book: the dangers of judging people solely on their appearance or social status.