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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
Act 1, scene 7
Explanation and Analysis—Duncan's Murder:
The discovery of Duncan's murder in Act 2, Scene 3 is an extended moment of dramatic irony. The audience is aware that Duncan is dead, but Macduff and Lennox are oblivious, an ignorance that Macbeth maintains by making comments that imply the king is still alive.
Lennox: Goes the king hence today?
Macbeth: He does. He did appoint so.
Related Themes:
Act 2, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Duncan's Murder:
The discovery of Duncan's murder in Act 2, Scene 3 is an extended moment of dramatic irony. The audience is aware that Duncan is dead, but Macduff and Lennox are oblivious, an ignorance that Macbeth maintains by making comments that imply the king is still alive.
Unlock with LitCharts A+Lennox: Goes the king hence today?
Macbeth: He does. He did appoint so.
Related Themes:
Act 3, scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Banquo's Ghost:
In Act 3, Scene 4, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth host a banquet for their various lords. As the guests are arriving, Macbeth learns that his plot to murder Banquo has been successful. The resulting scene is therefore filled with dramatic irony—since none of the thanes are aware that Banquo is dead, they speak about him as if he were still alive and fail to find it strange when Macbeth continues to remark on his absence:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Macbeth: Here had we now our country’s honor roofed,
Were the graced person of our Banquo present,
Who may I rather challenge for unkindness
Than pity for mischance.Ross: His absence, sir,
Lays blame upon his promise. Please ’t your
Highness
To grace us with your royal company?
Act 4, scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Macduff's Family:
In Act 4, Scene 2 of Macbeth, assassins surprise Macduff's castle at Fife and slaughter his wife and children. Although the arrival of the murderers comes as a horrific surprise to Lady Macduff, the audience has just overheard Macbeth's plan to invade Fife and already knows the fate that will befall Macduff's family.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
