Dramatic Irony
Definition: Dramatic irony involves the reader (or audience) knowing something about what's happening in the plot, about which the character(s) have no knowledge. Dramatic irony can be used in comedies and tragedies, and it works to engage the reader, as one is drawn into what is happening. The audience may sympathize with the character, who does not know the true situation (as in the case with Othello). Or, the reader may see the character as blind or ignorant. The clues may be rather obvious, but the character may be unwilling to recognize the truth “Honest Iago”. This technique highlights the importance of truth by portraying a person who is strikingly unaware of it.
In Othello, the audience knows that Desdemona has been faithful to Othello, but Othello does not. The audience also knows that Iago is scheming to bring about Othello's downfall, a fact hidden from Othello, Desdemona, Cassio and Roderigo.
Other types of irony:
Situational irony: if the actions taken in a situation have an effect exactly opposite from what was intended.
Comic irony: Irony that is humorous (whereas much irony is not)
Tragic irony: A type of dramatic irony. In tragic irony, a character's actions lead to consequences that are both tragic, and contrary to the character's desire and intentions.
Historical irony: A kind of situational irony that takes a long period of years for the irony to become evident.
Verbal irony: is a disparity of expression and intention: when a speaker says one thing but means another, or when a literal meaning is contrary to its intended effect. An example of this is when someone says "Oh, that's beautiful", when what they mean (probably conveyed by their tone) is they find "that" quite ugly
Some specific examples of irony in Othello:
Iago's "Good Name"
Irony plays an important role in Othello. For example, Othello, a good man, commits a heinous crime. Iago, an evil man, masquerades as an honourable man. In fact, in one of the better known passages in the play, Iago praises honour, saying:
...... Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
...... Is the immediate jewel of their souls:
...... Who steals my purse steals trash . . .
...... But he that filches from me my good name
...... Robs me of that which not enriches him
...... And makes me poor indeed. (3. 3. 180-185)
Why do you think Iago makes this speech?
How does this speech make you feel as a reader of the play?
Iago’s Ironic Warning
Ironically, it is the deceitful Iago who, in a pretence to make himself seem a friend to Othello, speaks of the danger of jealousy:
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock
The meat it feeds on. . . . . (3. 3. 191-193)
Explain why this speech is ironic.
What does this speech reveal about the character of Iago?
What other examples of dramatic irony can you think of in the play? Use the section on dramatic Irony from the “York Notes Commentary” to give you ideas. Give quotes to back up your examples.
Can you think of any examples or dramatic irony in contemporary television programmes, novels, plays or movies?