Dramatic Irony
Oliver Twist
by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist: Dramatic Irony 1 key example

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 10
Explanation and Analysis—Unwitting Criminal:

Instances of dramatic irony often emphasize Oliver's inherent innocence and the fact that he is clueless about crime. In Chapter 10, for example, Oliver is horrified to discover what has been obvious to the readers and other characters:

What was Oliver's horror and alarm as he stood a few paces off, looking on with his eye-lids as wide open as they would possibly go, to see the Dodger plunge his hand into this old gentleman's pocket, and draw from thence a handkerchief, which he handed to Charley Bates, and with which they both ran away round the corner at full speed.

Chapter 22
Explanation and Analysis—Unwitting Criminal:

Instances of dramatic irony often emphasize Oliver's inherent innocence and the fact that he is clueless about crime. In Chapter 10, for example, Oliver is horrified to discover what has been obvious to the readers and other characters:

What was Oliver's horror and alarm as he stood a few paces off, looking on with his eye-lids as wide open as they would possibly go, to see the Dodger plunge his hand into this old gentleman's pocket, and draw from thence a handkerchief, which he handed to Charley Bates, and with which they both ran away round the corner at full speed.

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