Dramatic Irony
What is dramatic irony?
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not.
What is foreshadowing, and how is it used in "The Tell-Tale Heart"?
Foreshadowing hints at future events. In "The Tell-Tale Heart," the narrator's obsession with the old man's eye foreshadows his violent act.
What is situational irony?
Situational irony occurs when the opposite of what is expected happens.
Why is the setting important in creating suspense in "The Tell-Tale Heart"?
The dark, eerie setting reflects the narrator's disturbed mind, enhancing the feeling of dread.
What type of conflict is present in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
The main conflict an external conflict, as Mary Maloney struggles against her husband after he reveals his intention to leave her.
In "The Tell-Tale Heart," how does Poe use dramatic irony to build suspense?
The narrator believes he has committed the perfect murder, but the reader knows that his guilt will ultimately lead to his confession.
Identify an example of foreshadowing in "Lamb to the Slaughter."
The way Mary Maloney holds lamb leg, similar to a weapon, foreshadows the event in which she strikes her husband and kills him.
What is an example of situational irony from "Button, Button?"
We don't expect it to be be Norma's husband who dies.
What point of view is used in "The Tell-Tale Heart"?
The story is told from the first-person point of view, allowing readers to see inside the narrator's mind.
How does conflict drive the plot in "Button, Button"?
The conflict arises from the ethical dilemma of pressing the button, which creates tension and leads to an unexpected outcome.
What is an example of dramatic irony in "The Tell-Tale Heart?"
When the police officers are in the house and do not realize they are sitting in chairs in the same room where the man is old man buried.
How does Matheson use foreshadowing in "Button, Button" to build suspense?
The initial discussion about the button and whether she should push it hints at the moral dilemma and the twist ending, creating tension throughout the story.
What is an example of situational irony in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
We expect Mary Maloney to be heartbroken over his husband, because she has been described as so loving and calm, but instead she brutally murders him.
How does the point of view in "Lamb to the Slaughter" affect the reader's understanding of Mary Maloney?
The third-person limited point of view provides insight into Mary’s thoughts and feelings, making her actions more relatable and suspenseful.
Explain how conflict contributes to the suspense in these stories.
The conflict creates stakes and tension, compelling readers to wonder how characters will resolve their dilemmas.
What is an example of dramatic irony in "Lamb to the Slaughter"?
In "Lamb to the Slaughter," the detectives are unaware that the murder weapon is the leg of lamb that Mary Maloney cooked and served to them.
Explain how foreshadowing contributes to the suspense in these stories.
It creates anticipation and leads readers to guess potential outcomes, heightening their engagement and emotional response.
Analyze how situational irony contributes to the overall suspense in these stories.
It creates unexpected twists that surprise readers and heighten the emotional stakes of the narrative.
It would not be as suspenseful because we would not witness Norma's dilemma about whether to push the button or not.
Arthur was determined not to push the button and wanted to forget about it so we would not be as nervous...although, maybe we would know if he had any secrets.
Identify the central conflict in "The Tell-Tale Heart."
The conflict is between the narrator and his obsession with the old man's eye, leading to internal and external struggles.
How does foreshadowing in these suspenseful stories affect the reader's experience?
It keeps readers engaged as they try to piece together clues that predict the resolution, adding layers to the narrative.