The detective examines the crime scene carefully, yet he does not see the fingerprint on the windowsill. "The murderer must have left through the back door," he concludes. However, the audience knows that the fingerprint is the key to solving the case, and it was left by the detective himself during his earlier investigation

Question

• What does the audience know that the detective doesn’t? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ • How does the dramatic irony contribute to the tension? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Answer 1

What does the audience know that the detective doesn’t?
The audience knows that the fingerprint on the windowsill is crucial evidence that would lead to identifying the murderer. Furthermore, the audience is aware that this fingerprint belongs to the detective himself, indicating that he may have inadvertently compromised the investigation. This knowledge creates a disconnect between the detective's conclusions and the reality of the situation.

How does the dramatic irony contribute to the tension?
The dramatic irony heightens the tension by creating a sense of foreboding and anticipation. The audience is aware of the truth behind the fingerprint but sees the detective confidently drawing incorrect conclusions about the case. This creates suspense, as viewers anxiously anticipate when, or if, the detective will discover the fingerprint and realize its implications. The audience is left wondering how the detective will react when he uncovers the truth and what consequences will unfold from his oversight, adding an unpredictable layer to the narrative.