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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
Chapter 7: Justice Denied
Explanation and Analysis—Building Suspense:
Stevenson uses dramatic irony, especially in the narrative about Walter McMillian, to give the reader a sense of how suspenseful it can be to work on a case like Walter's. In Chapter 7, for instance, Stevenson receives an ominous and unexpected phone call from Ralph Myers:
The voice said, “Mr. Stevenson, this is Ralph Myers.”
Our secretary had told me there was a “Mr. Miles” on the phone, so I was a little shocked to hear Ralph Myers on the other end of the line. Before I could compose myself, he spoke again.
“I think you need to come and see me. I have something I need to tell you,” he said dramatically.
Related Themes:
