In an example of dramatic irony, Isabel believes that Madame Merle is innocently introducing Isabel to her friend Osmond when, in reality—as readers know—she is introducing Isabel to Osmond in the hopes that they will be married. The irony is most apparent when Madame Merle slips up by commending Isabel on how “charming” she was in front of Osmond and Isabel responds in a confused and defensive manner, not knowing that she was expected to be so:
[Madame Merle] said to her in a few moments: “You were charming, my dear; you were just as one would have wished you. You’re never disappointing.”
A rebuke might possibly have been irritating, though it is much more probable that Isabel would have taken it in good part; but, strange to say, the words that Madame Merle actually used caused her the first feeling of displeasure she had known this ally to excite. “That’s more than I intended,” she answered coldly. “I’m under no obligation that I know of to charm Mr Osmond.”
Madame Merle perceptibly flushed.
Here, Isabel has her “first feeling of displeasure” related to Madame Merle, likely because she is picking up on the fact that Madame Merle has bigger plans for Isabel and Osmond that she is not directly communicating to Isabel. That readers know Madame Merle has presented Isabel as a good option for Osmond because of her newly inherited wealth—while Isabel herself does not—adds to the tension at the center of the novel.
In an example of both foreshadowing and irony, several different characters in the novel tell Isabel not to marry Osmond since, they believe, he is just using her for her wealth and she will end up unhappy.
This is an example of foreshadowing, as Isabel does go on to be very unhappy in her marriage to Osmond, who wants her money but does not value her as the independent person that she is. It’s simultaneously an example of situational irony because Isabel believes incorrectly—yet confidently—that she knows Osmond better than anyone else, viewing him as a humble art collector deserving of her love and financial support.
The following conversation between Isabel and Ralph captures the irony of Isabel’s resistance to her loved ones’ critiques of her fiancé:
“How little you trust me!”
There was a moment’s silence; the warm noon-tide seemed to listen. “I trust you, but I don’t trust him,” said Ralph.
She raised her eyes and gave him a wide, deep look. “You’ve said it now, and I’m glad you’ve made it so clear. But you’ll suffer by it.”
Here, Isabel tell Ralph that he’ll “suffer” for speaking ill of Osmond when, in reality, it’s she who suffers for the fact that she didn’t listen to Ralph. This is also an example of dramatic irony, as readers know by this point that Osmond and Madame Merle have intentionally been targeting Isabel for her inherited wealth (even if readers don’t yet understand why). This means that readers are on the same page as the characters who don’t trust Osmond.
