Situational and dramatic irony often contribute to the development of a work’s theme primarily because they cause a reader to think beyond the surface level and their own expectations.
This type of irony presents situations where the outcome is incongruent with what is expected, leading readers to reassess their assumptions and interpret the deeper meaning behind characters' actions and events in the story. By highlighting contradictions between appearance and reality, irony encourages readers to explore complex ideas and themes, ultimately enriching their understanding of the work. Through this reflective process, important themes such as the unpredictability of life, the nature of fate, or the complexities of human behavior are often illuminated.