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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
Key Examples in Brideshead Revisited
Part 1, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—War:
In the latter half of Part 1, Chapter 4, Sebastian and Charles abscond to Venice for the summer to visit Lord Marchmain and his mistress. During this time, the two boys live life in idle repose, spending Lord Marchmain's money and doing as they please. While recounting this time spent together, Charles recalls a comment Sebastian made about the Colleoni statue, invoking dramatic irony for the reader:
The fortnight at Venice passed quickly and sweetly—perhaps too sweetly; I was drowning in honey, stingless.
[...]
I remember Sebastian looking up at the Colleoni statue and saying, “It’s rather sad to think that whatever happens you and I can never possibly get involved in a war.”
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