Dramatic Irony in Romeo and Juliet

Dramatic Irony 

Dramatic Irony is a literary device used by playwrights in their plays.  It helps to build interest to the play.

 Dramatic Irony in Romeo and Juliet:

1. “Whose misadventur’d piteous overthrows,

Doth, with their death, bury their parents’ strife” (prologue)

• These are taken from the chorus of the play.  It refers to the death of two lovers.  It gives introduction to the feuds of the Capulet and Montague.  Also the tragic end of the feud.  The irony is the unfortunate death of the lovers bring peace.

 2. “Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye

Than twenty, of their swords! Look thou but sweet,

And I am proof against their enmity” (ii.ii)

•  Quoted by Romeo to Juliet.  Romeo comforts Juliet as Juliet was troubled by the issues of Capulet and Montague.  Romeo convince Juliet that her sweet and loving gaze would protect him from all dangers.

 3. “Ah, well -a- day ! he’s dead, he’s dead, he’s dead!.... he ‘s kill’d, he’s dead! (iii.ii)

•  Juliet’s Nurse gives this disturbing news about Tybalt’s death.  Juliet thought her Nurse refers to Romeo’s death.  This made her too sad, but the audience is aware that Romeo is not dead.

 4. “If I may trust the flattering truth of sleep,

My dreams presage some joyful news at hand” (v.i)

• It was said by Romeo in this verse, it is covered with layers of dramatic irony.  First irony is Romeo feels happy to consummate his marriage with Juliet.  Moments later Balthasar delivers the news of Juliet’s death.  Romeo could not understand the reason for Juliet’s suicide.

 5. “Ah, dear Juliet,

Why are thou yet so fair? Shall I believe that unsubstantial death is amorous………….

And never from this palace of dim night" (v.iii)

• Romeo cried when he saw Juliet in tomb.  Over whelmed by sadness and love Romeo promises to join with her.  Juliet appears beautiful and pure, but she is not dead, actually she is sound asleep.

 

 

 

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