Previous
Literary Devices
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 Never Let Me Go
Chapter 1
Explanation and Analysis—Donation:
Early on in Never Let Me Go, Kathy mentions the "donation" process multiple times, both in her present-day narration and in flashbacks to her time at Hailsham. During one such flashback in Chapter 3, Tommy and Kathy discuss Tommy's conversation with Miss Lucy about creativity. Tommy mentions that Miss Lucy does not think they are being "taught enough" about donation, in a moment of dramatic irony:
"[Miss Lucy] said we weren't being taught enough, something like that."
"Taught enough? You mean she thinks we should be studying even harder than we are?"
"No, I don't think she meant that. What she was talking about was, you know, about us. What's going to happen to us one day. Donations and all that."
Related Themes:
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Donation:
Early on in Never Let Me Go, Kathy mentions the "donation" process multiple times, both in her present-day narration and in flashbacks to her time at Hailsham. During one such flashback in Chapter 3, Tommy and Kathy discuss Tommy's conversation with Miss Lucy about creativity. Tommy mentions that Miss Lucy does not think they are being "taught enough" about donation, in a moment of dramatic irony:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"[Miss Lucy] said we weren't being taught enough, something like that."
"Taught enough? You mean she thinks we should be studying even harder than we are?"
"No, I don't think she meant that. What she was talking about was, you know, about us. What's going to happen to us one day. Donations and all that."
Related Themes:
