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Anthropomorphism
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
Date
Explanation and Analysis—You Have Reservations?:
In the chapter "Date," Patrick goes out with a woman named Patricia Worrell. She wants the two of them to go see her friend's band, playing at Radio City Music Hall. But Patrick hates live music and insists that they get dinner at Dorsia, the hottest new restaurant in the city, instead. Here is their conversation, over the phone, about Dorsia, full of dramatic irony:
“Dorsia?” she asks and then, suspiciously, “You have reservations there? I mean for us?”
“Yes,” I say. “Eight-thirty.”
“Well …” She emits a little laugh and then, faltering, “It was … well, what I mean is, I’ve seen them. I just wanted you to see them.”
“Listen. What are you doing?” I ask. “If you’re not coming I have to call someone else. Do you have Emily Hamilton’s number?”
End of the 1980s
Explanation and Analysis—Reason To Be Sad:
In the chapter "End of the 1980s," Patrick goes out to brunch with Jean at Nowheres. Patrick appears weak and morose, and Jean tries to get him to smile. But she still knows nothing of his murders or his run-ins with the law, which makes the scene an instance of dramatic irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“Come on, smile,” she urges sometime later. “You have no reason to be so sad.”
“I know,” I sigh, relenting. “But it’s … tough to smile. These days. At least I find it hard to. I’m not used to it, I guess. I don’t know.”
“That’s … why people need each other,” she says gently, trying to make eye contact while spooning the not inexpensive sorbet into her mouth.
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