Question

Which is an example of dramatic irony in Act V, scene iii of Romeo and Juliet?

Romeo thought Juliet was dead when he poisoned himself, but the audience knew she was alive.
Balthasar agreed to deliver Romeo’s letter, and the audience knew the contents of the letter.
Juliet knew Romeo was dead when she awakened, and the audience knew that she was correct.
Friar Laurence thought his plan would help Romeo and Juliet, but the audience knew he had evil intentions.

Answer 1

It was ironic when Romeo thought Juliet was dead when he poisoned himself, but the audience knew she was alive. This is called dramatic irony. The audience knows Juliet is faking, but Romeo didn't.

Answer 2

Romeo thought Juliet was dead when he poisoned himself, but the audience knew she was alive.

Irony is when the opposite of what is expected happens. This is ironic because Juliet not being dead is the opposite of what Romeo thinks is true. It's dramatic irony because the audience knows Juliet is still alive. The audience knows things the characters do not. Option B is wrong because there is nothing opposite in the situation. Option C is wrong because the audience and the characters know the same thing. Option D is wrong because it's just wrong. Friar Laurence did not have any evil intentions.