Example (from "Romeo and Juliet"):
Summary of Scene: In the final act of "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo believes that Juliet is dead after finding her in a death-like slumber from the potion she took to avoid her arranged marriage. In his grief, he purchases poison and goes to Juliet’s tomb to end his life. The audience, however, knows that Juliet is not truly dead but merely in a deep sleep, and her revival is imminent.
How Dramatic Irony Affects the Scene: The dramatic irony heightens the tension and emotional weight of the scene. The audience is filled with dread as they watch Romeo approach the tomb, fully believing that he is about to take Juliet's life, while simultaneously knowing that she is alive. This creates a sense of urgency and sadness, as viewers are helpless to intervene and prevent Romeo's tragic decision. The irony deepens the tragedy, ultimately leading to the devastating outcome of both characters' deaths, which could have been avoided had Romeo known the truth. The audience is left feeling a profound sense of loss, poignancy, and the cruelty of fate, knowing that a lack of communication led to this heartbreaking conclusion.