Question

CHARACTERS:
JOSH
TARA
KUL

Stage Set: Tara's house. Josh is outside the door holding a bouquet and a hand-written letter for Tara. He can hear the conversation because the door is ajar. Josh does not go in right away.

TARA: (shrugging her shoulders) No, I do not want to.
KUL: Come on. He is a nice enough guy. Why not?
TARA: Well, you don't understand. Why do you even ask me?
KUL: (looking Tara in the eye) Hey. Try me.
TARA: (after a long pause) The thing is—I don't want to give him any hope. Why build him up and let him down?
KUL: With just a dance?
TARA: You've seen the way he looks at me. He more than likes me.
KUL: I suppose you are right . . . Couldn't you just be friends? (notices the open door, goes to close it, and sees Josh)
TARA: Yes, we are just friends. That is why we are not going to the prom together. Why don't you just shut the door?
2
Which of these is true about this play?
A.
The author uses dramatic irony to create suspense.
B.
The author uses imagery to show Josh's feelings.
C.
The author uses verbal irony to create humor.
D.
The author uses a metaphor to show a relationship.

Answer 1

A. The author uses dramatic irony to create suspense.

Explanation: The audience (and Josh) know he's outside overhearing Tara and Kul, while Tara and Kul do not—creating dramatic irony and tension as readers wait to see what will happen when they discover him.