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Definition of Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a... read full definition
Chapter 29
Explanation and Analysis—Willoughby's Lies:
Despite his endless flirting with Marianne (including buying her a horse and keeping a lock of her hair), Willoughby reveals to her that he was never interested in her romantically—an example of situational irony. Readers assume—as Elinor and Mrs. Dashwood do—that Edward has asked Marianne to marry him and is just in London for work-related matters when, in fact, he is in London in order to find a wealthy woman to marry (which he finds in Miss Grey).
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Chapter 35
Explanation and Analysis—Marianne's Flattery:
In an example of dramatic irony, Margaret, Marianne, and Mrs. Dashwood don’t know—as Elinor and readers do—that Edward has been engaged to Lucy Steele for four years. Because of this, they talk about him as if he’s still the perfect suitor for Elinor, offering him compliments that Elinor accepts silently because, as the sister who has “sense,” she believes that she must keep painful feelings and truths to herself.
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