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Dialect
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 The Hobbit
Chapter 3: A Short Rest
Explanation and Analysis—Elven Mystique:
In Chapter 3, the elves of Rivendell greet the adventuring party with a song that purports to ask what they are up to, but that also names Bilbo and some of the dwarves before they have introduced themselves. Tolkien uses a simile as he reflects on the dramatic irony that always seems to surround elves:
Tired as he was, Bilbo would have liked to stay a while[...]. [H]e would have liked to have a few private words with these people that seemed to know his names and all about him, although he had never seen them before. He thought their opinion of his adventure might be interesting. Elves know a lot and are wondrous folk for news, and know what is going on among the peoples of the land, as quick as water flows, or quicker.
Related Themes:
Chapter 18: The Return Journey
Explanation and Analysis—Invisibility's Drawbacks:
Bilbo finds immense power in the discovery that he can put on Gollum's ring and become invisible, creating dramatic irony whenever he needs it. In Chapter 18, when Bilbo wakes up on the battlefield, he finds that his weaponized dramatic irony has given rise to a situation that is ironic in its own right:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Suddenly he was aware of a man climbing up and coming towards him. “Hullo there!” he called with a shaky voice.
“Hullo there! What news?”
“What voice is it that speaks among the stones?” said the man halting and peering about him not far from where Bilbo sat.
Then Bilbo remembered his ring! “Well I’m blessed!” said he. “This invisibility has its drawbacks after all. Otherwise I suppose I might have spent a warm and comfortable night in bed!”
Related Themes:
