Why might a writer use dramatic irony to develop a theme?

a. to poke fun at social norms by having a surprise ending

b. to highlight the impact of a character’s actions by depicting people who say one thing but always mean the opposite

c. to show the negative effects that result from a character’s lack of awareness by allowing the reader to know the full truth

d. to convey life’s complexities through a character’s unexpected fate

1 answer

The best answer is:

c. to show the negative effects that result from a character’s lack of awareness by allowing the reader to know the full truth

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more about a situation than the characters do, which can emphasize the consequences of the character's actions or beliefs, thereby highlighting a theme. This technique can effectively reveal how a character's lack of awareness leads to negative outcomes, reinforcing the overall message of the narrative.