Dramatic Irony · English Literature

In 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the primary instance of dramatic irony in the final tomb scene?

Romeo believes Juliet is dead, but the audience knows she is only drugged
Juliet knows Romeo is coming, but he thinks she has already fled
The audience knows Friar Lawrence has been arrested before the lovers do
Paris believes he is marrying Juliet, but the audience knows she is dead

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Correct answer: Romeo believes Juliet is dead, but the audience knows she is only drugged

The Friar's plan — a sleeping potion to fake Juliet's death — is known to the audience. When Romeo arrives and sees Juliet 'dead', the audience's foreknowledge makes his suicide a devastating act of tragic irony.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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In 'Romeo and Juliet', what is the primary instance of dramatic irony in the final tomb scene?

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