Question

Which description is an example of dramatic irony?(1 point)
Responses

A marriage counselor files for divorce from her fourth husband.
A marriage counselor files for divorce from her fourth husband.

A wife cuts and sells her hair to buy a watch chain for her husband, who has sold his watch to buy combs for her hair.
A wife cuts and sells her hair to buy a watch chain for her husband, who has sold his watch to buy combs for her hair.

A roofing contractor on a multistory building has a fear of heights.
A roofing contractor on a multistory building has a fear of heights.

A person is asked how something tastes, and he states that it is awful and then proceeds to eat several more bites.
A person is asked how something tastes, and he states that it is awful and then proceeds to eat several more bites.

Answer 1

None of them is dramatic irony.

Briefly:
- The marriage counselor who files for divorce — situational irony (what happens is opposite of what’s expected).
- The wife who sells her hair while her husband sells his watch (The Gift of the Magi) — situational irony.
- A roofing contractor who fears heights — situational irony (unexpected trait for the job).
- Saying something is awful and then eating more — verbal irony (words contradict actions).

Dramatic irony specifically means the audience/reader knows something a character does not (e.g., the audience knows a character is walking into a trap that the character doesn’t realize). None of the choices show that.