What examples of dramatic irony are present in this passage? …

English Questions

What dramatic irony occurs in this passage? select two options. helmer thinks that nora’s worry about him is related to his reputation and is a sign of her love for him, while the audience knows that it is the risk she took to get a loan that shows her love. nora thinks that helmer will be furious with her for taking out a loan to help him, but the audience knows that helmer loves nora enough to forgive her for committing a crime to save him. nora thinks that krogstad has written in the letter that she is having an affair, and is afraid that helmer will find out, while the audience knows that krogstad has written about the loan. helmer thinks that krogstad is angry at nora, and he wants to protect his wife, while the audience knows that it is nora who is angry at krogstad and has inside information about his lies. helmer thinks that krogstad’s vengeance will be against him, but the audience knows that krogstad will take vengeance against nora and her reputation as an honest woman.

Short Answer

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience possesses knowledge that the characters do not, creating tension and enhancing emotional impact. It highlights contradictions in character understanding, as seen in literary examples where characters misinterpret situations, thus deepening engagement with the narrative and character motivations.

Step-by-Step Solution

Understanding Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do. This creates tension and enhances the emotional impact of the story. It can lead to a variety of effects, such as humor, suspense, or a deeper understanding of character motivations.

Key Examples in Literature

In literature, dramatic irony is often used to highlight contradictions between a character’s understanding and the reality of the situation. For example:

  • Helmer’s Misinterpretation: Helmer believes Nora’s worry for him relates to his reputation, not realizing her sacrifice for a loan is an expression of her love.
  • Krogstad’s Target: Helmer thinks Krogstad seeks revenge on him, while the audience knows Krogstad’s true intention is to harm Nora’s reputation.

Definition and Importance

Overall, dramatic irony is a literary device that emphasizes the contrast between expectation and reality. It is essential as it allows the audience to engage more deeply with the narrative and the characters, as they anticipate the moment when the truth is revealed. Understanding dramatic irony enriches the experience of reading or watching a story.

Related Concepts

Dramatic Irony

Defining a situation where the audience knows more than the characters, creating tension and emotional impact

Literary Device

A technique used by writers to convey meaning or enhance storytelling, such as dramatic irony itself

Character Motivations

The reasons behind a character’s actions and decisions, which may be misinterpreted by other characters but understood by the audience.

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