Understanding Dramatic Irony in Literature

Do you recall the first time you watched or read Romeo and Juliet? No one in the couple knows that the other is still alive, but every viewer or reader does. Without realising what the audience is aware of, each person drinks the poison.

So, you wanted to talk to a character about what was going on? Juliet is still living, so don't worry, Romeo. If that sounds like you, the author employs dramatic irony, a type of story structure in which the reader knows more about the characters than they do. To add difference, stress, and excitement to the writing, use dramatic irony.

Understand Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony is a critical literary device often used in plays, movies, theatre, and even poems. In stories, irony is used to make the audience know more about what's going on, why there are problems, and how to solve them more than the main characters. 
 
For example, the public is aware that a character will be killed off or decide to end their own life, yet other characters do not know these things. Thus, the characters' words and actions imply something different to the viewer than to them and the plot. In this way, it produces both great tension and humour. This form of speech also emphasises, embellishes, and better communicates feelings and moods.

The Role of Dramatic Irony

A lot of writers use dramatic irony to keep their readers interested and excited. This kind of irony makes you curious because it makes a difference between how the actors are doing and what happens.

Dramatic irony gives readers and audiences important information before the main characters. It also makes readers want and dread the day a character finds out the real reason for the events and circumstances in the novel. 

This kind of irony usually occurs in dramas, where readers are meant to feel sorry for the main characters. The irony shows how hurtful it is to not fully understand honest and harmless people, which can lead to death.

Why is all of this important? It would be easier if readers and actors were on the same page.

•    Dramatic Irony Creates Suspense

Ignorance may cause the characters to commit the worst mistakes in their life, ruin strong relationships, or put them in difficult positions. The readers are tense and eager for the character to discover the truth before it uncovers itself.

•    It Enhances Characterisation

People fill in the blanks with their opinions when they don't know enough. These presumptions provide insight into the vulnerabilities, concerns, and pasts of the characters.

•    Dramatic Irony Enhances Humour

Shakespeare, for instance, used more than merely tragic irony. Irony that made you think was also used in his plays. People in the story lie to each other, cast love magic, and do other crazy things. The public, on the other hand, always knows why everything is crazy.

Instances of Dramatic Irony Across Various Genres

Dramatic irony can be used in any writing. Depending on the impression you want to achieve with the readers, different genres will need different approaches when it comes to using dramatic irony.

•    Romance and UpLit

If the book is a happy love story or romance, dramatic irony could be used to make things tense between the two main characters. For example, you may depict a character going to kiss someone they shouldn't.

You might also use dramatic irony to hint at the love interest. We may enjoy seeing the characters battle to be true to their feelings and be content that a happy ending is coming—if they can get over their dumb conduct. 

•    Children’s Literature

Dramatic irony can also be used when writing for people of different ages. In the event that you are writing a novel featuring children, for instance, an adult reader may be able to decipher euphemisms, allusions, or just plain dull adult content that the kid characters—and maybe even younger readers—may not comprehend.

•    Historical Fiction

A fascinating kind of historical irony that arises when writing historical fiction or a book set in a particular era is when the reader knows what will happen to the planet in the future. A dramatic irony could be present, for instance, if a female character from the early modern era were to discuss the possibility of women's equality with males.

Conclusion

Dramatic irony builds tension and expectation. As the plot progresses, the audience eagerly awaits the revelation of the truth and the choices the character will face in the meantime. It tells them to get lost in their thinking about what might happen and hope that the truth comes quickly.

The reader feels like they are an expert when dramatic irony is used. The people you write about don't know these things. They seem like they belong in the story. Digi Assignment Help has a vast amount of high-quality information that will change the way you think about doing well in school.

 

Top Blogs