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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 54
Explanation and Analysis—Nicholas :
In Chapter 54, Ralph and Arthur discuss Nicholas's visit the previous night, during which Nicholas attempted to persuade Arthur not to marry Madeline. Neither man is aware that Nicholas is the person they are discussing; the reader, however, does know—making the following passage an important instance of dramatic irony in the novel:
'[...] You said he was handsome, didn’t you?’
‘No!’ snarled Arthur Gride.
‘Oh!’ rejoined Ralph, ‘I thought you did. Well, handsome or not handsome, to this old man there comes a young fellow who casts all manner of fierce defiances in his teeth – gums I should rather say – and tells him in plain terms that his mistress hates him. What does he do that for? Philanthropy’s sake?’
Within this instance of dramatic irony sits an important kernel of information about Ralph's character. Though he has no knowledge of the person Arthur speaks about, unaware the person is Nicholas, Ralph still sees fit to question philanthropic motives. He doubts any morally upright sentiment, constantly questioning the motives of others because his own are corrupted. The stranger Arthur describes could not possibly be acting simply out of interest in Madeline's well-being, because Ralph could not fathom doing that himself. He is a fundamentally selfish person, and this outlook impacts his initial assumptions about others.
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