Dramatic Irony and Foreshadowing
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something a character does not. Foreshadowing hints at future events. Both techniques create suspense and engage audiences in anticipating what will happen.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Dramatic irony: the reader or audience knows something that a character does not
Foreshadowing hints at future events through imagery, dialogue, or events
Both techniques create suspense by making the audience anticipate what will happen
These devices involve the audience or reader emotionally and intellectually
Key Vocabulary
Dramatic irony
When the audience knows something important that a character does not
Foreshadowing
Hints or clues about events that will happen later in the story
Suspense
A feeling of anticipation or anxiety about what will happen next
Irony
A contrast between what is expected or said and what actually occurs or is meant
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
In Romeo and Juliet, the audience knows Juliet is not dead when Romeo thinks she is. This is:
Question 2
A story opens with a character saying "I've never felt so safe in my life" before entering a building that will soon collapse. This is:
Question 3
The main effect of dramatic irony on an audience is:
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Dramatic irony: the reader or audience knows something that a character does not
- ●Foreshadowing hints at future events through imagery, dialogue, or events
- ●Both techniques create suspense by making the audience anticipate what will happen
- ●These devices involve the audience or reader emotionally and intellectually