Engish STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

Which of the following best describes dramatic irony?

1. When characters express their internal thoughts

2. When the narrator knows the entire plot

3. When audience knowledge exceeds that of characters

4. When language is used poetically

The correct answer is: When audience knowledge exceeds that of characters

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience has knowledge that the characters in a story do not have, creating a tension or discrepancy between what the audience understands and what the characters believe. This enhances the emotional impact of a scene, as viewers can anticipate the potential outcomes of the characters' actions, which are often misguided because of their lack of information. For instance, in a play or movie where an audience knows a significant secret that a character is oblivious to, this creates suspense, humor, or a deeper emotional response as the audience watches the character navigate situations based on incomplete information. This understanding is fundamental to grasping how dramatic irony functions to engage the audience and enrich the narrative. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of dramatic irony. Expressing internal thoughts relates more to internal monologues or stream-of-consciousness techniques. Knowing the entire plot pertains to the narrator's perspective but does not inherently involve irony. Finally, poetic language focuses on stylistic choices in writing, which is separate from the dynamics of knowledge disparity central to dramatic irony.