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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
Part 3
Explanation and Analysis—Everyone Was Happy:
At the end of the story, Bobinôt and Clarisse bask in their respective spouse’s newfound joy, not realizing that it is the result of an extramarital affair. This is an example of dramatic irony because Calixta, Alcée, and readers all know the truth, while Bobinôt and Clarisse do not.
The irony comes across in moments like the following, when Bobinôt returns home after the storm has died down, afraid that Calixta will criticize him for being out with their son Bibi in the storm:
Prepared for the worst—the meeting with an over-scrupulous housewife, they entered cautiously at the back door.
[…]
Calixta was preparing supper. She had set the table and was dripping coffee at the hearth. She sprang up as they came in […]. She had clasped Bibi and was kissing him effusively. Bobinôt’s explanations and apologies which he had been composing all along the way, died on his lips as Calixta felt him to see if he were dry, and seemed to express nothing but satisfaction at their safe return.
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