Navoiy state pedagogical institute the faculty of the english language and literature the department of the english language and literature

CHAPTER 2.EXAMPLES OF DRAMATIC IRONY IN THE NOVEL

2.1. Identify significant scenes or plot developments that showcase dramatic irony

"Dramatic irony" occurs when the audience or reader possesses knowledge or information that the characters do not have. This creates a sense of anticipation and tension as we wait for the characters to discover the truth. In "Cabbages and Kings" by O. Henry, there are several significant scenes and plot developments that showcase dramatic irony, adding depth and engaging the readers. Let's explore some of these instances:
1. "The Caballero's Way":
In this story, the protagonist, the American journalist Goodwin, meets a charming and enigmatic Mexican outlaw called Sanderson. The readers are aware of Sanderson's true identity, while Goodwin remains oblivious. This creates dramatic irony as readers anticipate the moment when Goodwin will discover the truth. The tension builds as the plot unfolds, leading to a climactic twist when Goodwin finally learns that Sanderson is the notorious outlaw he has been seeking. This revelation not only surprises Goodwin but also challenges the readers' perception of the characters and their motivations.
2. "The Coming-Out of Maggie":
In this story, the young girl Maggie is preparing for her "coming-out" party, a significant event in her social debut. However, unbeknownst to Maggie, her father, an inventor, has lost all his money and cannot afford to host the lavish party Maggie dreams of. The readers, aware of the financial situation, experience dramatic irony as we witness Maggie's excitement and anticipation. The contrast between Maggie's hopes and the reality of her family's circumstances creates a sense of tension and foreboding. When the truth is eventually revealed, the dramatic irony intensifies, and the readers empathize with Maggie's disappointment and shattered expectations.
3. "The Caliph and the Cad":
In this story, the character named Gordon is involved in an elaborate con, posing as a wealthy prince and deceiving others for personal gain. However, the readers are aware of Gordon's true identity and intentions. The dramatic irony lies in witnessing the other characters falling for Gordon's ruse, unaware of his deceitful nature. As the plot progresses, the tension builds, and readers eagerly await the moment when the truth will be exposed. The revelation of Gordon's true intentions adds a twist to the narrative and challenges the readers' perception of trust and authenticity.
4. "The Admiral":
In this story, the character known as "The Admiral" is believed to be a distinguished military figure and a hero. However, the readers are aware that The Admiral is, in fact, an impostor. This creates dramatic irony as we observe the characters' admiration and respect for The Admiral, oblivious to his true identity. The tension mounts as the readers anticipate the moment when the truth will be revealed and the consequences it will have on the characters' perception of The Admiral and their own understanding of heroism.
5. "The Flag Paramount":
In this story, the fictional country of Anchuria is on the brink of a revolution, and the protagonist, Johnny Thwaite, becomes involved in political intrigue. The readers possess information about the imminent revolution, whereas Johnny remains unaware of the impending events. This creates dramatic irony as readers anticipate the collision between Johnny's unsuspecting actions and the unfolding political reality. The tension builds as the plot develops, and the dramatic irony adds suspense and depth to the narrative.
These significant scenes and plot developments in "Cabbages and Kings" showcase dramatic irony, engaging the readers by allowing them to participate in the narrative and encouraging them to anticipate the moment of revelation. The contrast between the readers' knowledge and the characters' ignorance creates tension, suspense, and a deeper understanding of the story's themes, characters, and the ironies inherent in their.
The disparity between the knowledge of the readers and the characters in instances of dramatic irony in "Cabbages and Kings" by O. Henry creates tension, suspense, and a deeper engagement with the narrative. As readers, we are privy to information that the characters lack, allowing us to anticipate the moment of revelation and enhancing our understanding of the story's themes and complexities. Let's examine the disparity between reader knowledge and character knowledge in these instances and its impact on the overall reading experience.
1. "The Caballero's Way":
In this story, readers are aware of Sanderson's true identity as a notorious Mexican outlaw, while Goodwin, the American journalist, remains oblivious. The disparity between reader knowledge and Goodwin's lack thereof creates suspense and anticipation as we await the moment of revelation. We observe Goodwin's growing fascination with Sanderson, unaware of the danger he is in. This disparity between what we know and what Goodwin knows heightens the tension and adds depth to the story. It also allows us to question the motives and intentions of the characters, leading to a more nuanced understanding of their actions and the consequences that follow.
2. "The Coming-Out of Maggie":
In this story, readers are aware of Maggie's father's financial troubles and the fact that he cannot afford the lavish party Maggie desires for her social debut. However, Maggie remains blissfully ignorant of her family's circumstances. The disparity between reader knowledge and Maggie's lack thereof creates a sense of impending disappointment and foreboding. We empathize with Maggie's excitement while simultaneously feeling a pang of sadness knowing that her dreams are about to be shattered. This disparity deepens our connection with the characters and enhances our understanding of the impact of expectations and the realities of life.⁵
3. "The Caliph and the Cad":
In this story, readers are aware of Gordon's true identity as a con artist and his deceptive intentions, while the other characters fall for his ruse. The disparity between reader knowledge and the characters' lack thereof creates suspense and intrigue as we witness the unfolding events. We are on the edge of our seats, waiting for the moment when Gordon's true nature will be revealed. This disparity also allows us to critically examine the trust we place in appearances and the ways in which deception can shape relationships. It prompts us to question our own assumptions and biases, adding depth to the themes explored in the story.
4. "The Admiral":
In this story, readers know that "The Admiral" is an impostor, while the other characters believe in his distinguished military background and heroism. The disparity between reader knowledge and the characters' lack thereof creates a sense of irony and tension. We observe the characters' admiration and respect for The Admiral, even as we are aware of his true identity. This disparity challenges our perception of heroism and raises questions about the authenticity of appearances. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the ways in which we construct narratives around individuals based on limited information.
5. "The Flag Paramount":
In this story, readers are aware of the imminent revolution in Anchuria, while Johnny Thwaite, the protagonist, remains unaware. The disparity between reader knowledge and Johnny's lack thereof creates suspense and anticipation as we witness his unwitting involvement in political intrigue. We are keenly aware of the dangers that await Johnny, even as he remains oblivious to the unfolding events. This disparity allows us to engage with the political backdrop of the story, explore the impact of power dynamics, and reflect on the consequences of ignorance and naivety.
The disparity between reader knowledge and character knowledge in instances of dramatic irony enhances the reading experience by creating tension, suspense, and a deeper understanding of the narrative's themes and complexities. It encourages us to critically engage with the story, question assumptions, and examine the motivations and consequences of the characters' actions. Through this disparity, O. Henry invites us to reflect on the ironies and intricacies of life, adding depth and richness to the storytelling.