Use the paragraph to answer the question.

Question

In The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Victor Hugo creates an ironic situation. Hugo has the protagonist, Quasimodo attempt to protect Esmerelda from the gypsies, who he believes are dangerous, when in fact, they are actually coming to rescue her.

Which statement best analyzes how Hugo's uses irony in this example?
A. • Hugo uses dramatic irony by creating a situation where the main character can step in and protect another character.
B. • Hugo uses dramatic irony by creating a situation where the audience knows something that the main character does not.
C. • Hugo uses situational irony by placing the protagonist and antagonist in opposition to each other.
D. Hugo uses situational irony by establishing a scene where there is a contrast between what the audience expects will happen and the reality of what will happen.

Answer 1

The statement that best analyzes how Hugo uses irony in this example is:

B. • Hugo uses dramatic irony by creating a situation where the audience knows something that the main character does not.

This is because the readers are aware that the gypsies are actually trying to rescue Esmerelda, while Quasimodo mistakenly believes they are dangerous, highlighting the tension between the audience's understanding and Quasimodo's perspective.