What is Dramatic Irony? Examples from 'The Remains of the Day'

📚 What is Dramatic Irony?

Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience or reader knows something that the characters do not. This creates tension and suspense, as the audience anticipates the consequences of the characters' actions or misunderstandings.

📖 Quick Study Guide

🔍 Definition: Audience knows more than the characters. 🎭 Effect: Builds suspense and tension. ⏰ Usage: Common in plays, novels, and films. 💡 Key to Spotting: Look for discrepancies between what a character believes and what is actually true. 🎬 Example in 'The Remains of the Day': Stevens's denial of his feelings for Miss Kenton and his unwavering dedication to Lord Darlington, despite the latter's questionable political affiliations.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best defines dramatic irony?
   1. A character makes a witty remark.
   2. The audience knows something the characters do not.
   3. A situation ends in the opposite way of what is generally expected.
   4. Two characters are in conflict.
2. In 'The Remains of the Day', what is a primary source of dramatic irony?
   1. Stevens's detailed knowledge of fine wines.
   2. The reader's awareness of Stevens's repressed feelings for Miss Kenton.
   3. Lord Darlington's political influence.
   4. The changing landscape of England.
3. How does dramatic irony affect the reader's experience of 'The Remains of the Day'?
   1. It makes the reader indifferent to Stevens's plight.
   2. It creates suspense and anticipation as the reader sees Stevens's self-deception.
   3. It confuses the reader about the plot.
   4. It makes the reader laugh at Stevens.
4. Which of the following is an example of Stevens's behavior that contributes to the dramatic irony in the novel?
   1. His meticulous attention to detail in his duties.
   2. His open expression of his emotions.
   3. His willingness to challenge Lord Darlington's views.
   4. His constant travel.
5. What does the reader understand about Lord Darlington’s political choices that Stevens seems to ignore?
   1. That Lord Darlington is secretly working for the Allied forces.
   2. That Lord Darlington's choices have damaging consequences and are morally questionable.
   3. That Lord Darlington is a brilliant political strategist.
   4. That Lord Darlington is indifferent to the opinions of others.
6. What is the effect of dramatic irony when Stevens reflects on his past at the end of the novel?
   1. It allows the reader to feel happy about Stevens's choices.
   2. It heightens the sense of regret and missed opportunities.
   3. It makes the ending humorous.
   4. It resolves all the conflicts in the story.
7. Which element is NOT heightened by dramatic irony in 'The Remains of the Day'?
   1. The tension.
   2. The humor.
   3. The regret.
   4. The suspense.