Click the link to open the pdf file: The Three Most Common Uses of Irony. (The Oatmeal is the name of the comic, and the artist also refers to himself as "The Oatmeal.") You can post here.
This comic covers dramatic, situational, and verbal irony. Read the comic and reread Act III Scene i. Identify at least three examples of irony from the text and describe the effect. Don't repeat examples. If other students have used your examples, you can discuss your interpretation of the effects by replying in the comments.
For example: We know that this play is called The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, and there are numerous warnings and portents that Caesar's murder is coming. We know that Caesar is doomed, but he doesn't seem aware. This is dramatic irony.
In describing the effect, we might consider: What do you think about Caesar's character? Do you feel more sympathetic toward him knowing he is doomed to die? Or does he just seem like a stubborn fool, walking to his own death?
Begin describing effect in terms of your feelings toward the character.
For all discussions of literary elements, I want you all to begin going further and considering: What does this element "do" here? For example, doctors can begin by identifying. "This cell here in the pancreas is a cancer cell." But doctors must go further if they want to treat that cancer. They must consider: "What does this cancer cell do? How does it affect the surrounding cells? How does it affect the organ, and the person?"
Literature is not exactly like biology. But a clear sign to me that you understand the form and function of a text, is your ability to describe the effects on you as a reader.
Bonus: In The Oatmeal comic, what is ironic about the Oatmeal's final thought on irony?
1) Situational Irony: Julius Caesar dies at the foot of Pompey's Statue. It is ironic because Caesar tried to kill Pompey, and when he did die in Africa, his head was shipped to Caesar. Now Caesar is dead in front of Pompey.
ReplyDelete2) ?Situational/Verbal? Irony: I found it ironic how the conspirators would yell out "Peace, freedom, and liberty!" while having Caesar's blood up to their elbows and swinging weapons over their heads (III.i.115-122). How can they be talking of peace when they committed a murder?
3) Dramatic Irony: When Antony talks of his plan to revolt against the conspirators (III.i.280-301). Brutus and Cassius don't know about this, but we do.
Note: I'm not completely sure of 2 and 3, so it would be helpful if those are looked over. Also for the Bonus Question, what is the Oatmeal's final thought on irony? Is it the last sentence?
Arda,
DeleteYour second example begins to discuss the "effect" on you as a reader. For you, the irony here seems to raise a contradiction: "How can they be talking of peace when they committed a murder?" The next step is to consider how this apparent irony changes your developing perspective of the characters, like Brutus and Cassius, involved in the conspiracy. Are their motives just? Do they believe what they are saying?
For your first example: You know that "Caesar tried to kill Pompey, and when he did die in Africa, his head was shipped to Caesar." Is Caesar getting what he deserves? Or perhaps, does the conspirators' plan to murder Caesar before Pompey, make Brutus and Cassius just as cruel and brutal as Caesar? Discussing questions like these will lead to descriptions of effect.
-Mr. Shellhase
Ok thanks for the clarification! I'll try not to make that mistake again. It was a little confusing at first, but I got it now.
DeleteSituational?/Dramatical?: Julius Caesar pushes away Artemidorus and the Soothesayer, the only people who try to warn his about the conspiracy.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Julius Caesar to me is a fool for not listening to the people that tried to worn him not just Artemidorus and the soothesayer but also his wife. He is stubborn and got what was coming to him.
DeleteI also agree.. Caesar was very unaware of what was going on. He even had people (as kevin pointed out) that tried warning him, but he STIll wouldn't listen..
Delete1) Dramatic Irony: In III.i.1-15, there are many warnings for Caesar that something bad is going to happen to him. The audience obviously picks up on these warnings; however, Caesar fails to do so. When Caesar says, "What, is the fellow mad?", (III.i.10) I, as the reader, would like to say, "Caesar, are you mad?" I find it rather ironic that Caesar is asking others if they are crazy, when in fact, as a reader, I can see that Caesar is crazy for not heeding the warnings.
ReplyDeleteI think Shakespeare used dramatic irony here to evoke emotions in his audience. At this point in the play, since I know what is yet to come, I truly feel frustrated that Caesar cannot see what I see. Therefore, Shakespeare's effect is to engage the audience and to help the audience connect with the characters.
2. Verbal Irony: In III.i.37-40, Metellus is kneeling down to Caesar and he claims that he "throws before thy seat an humble heart". However, Metellus is a conspirator and he knows that very soon he will be killing Caesar. Therefore, he obviously does not mean these words.
Similarly to the dramatic irony used in III.i.1-15, I think that Shakespeare also intended this quote to evoke emotion in his audience. However, here, as a reader I feel more disgusted than frustrated. Now Shakespeare uses irony to conjure a different feeling: a feeling of frustration.
3. Situational Irony: In III.i.138-152, the servant has come to bring news from Mark Antony. The servant is kneeling at Brutus' feet, which illustrates the servant's inferiority to Brutus. However, shortly before this, in III.i.57-59, Brutus was the one kneeling before Caesar. A change in power has happened over such a short period of time.
I think that Shakespeare uses situational irony here to teach the public a lesson: power can change hands quickly. One of the major themes in Julius Caesar is power and what it can do to a person and I believe that this particular example of situational irony is meant to reinforce that theme.
I cannot agree anymore with your number 3. I have not thought of the power shift aspect but you opened another pathway of thinking.
DeleteI agree with Erika that the whole scene where Caesar is ignorant about the warnings from the Soothsayer and the Artemidorus. This brings up the dramatic irony in where the reader knows that something terrible is going to happen to Caesar, but Caesar does not heed the warnings.
DeleteI agree with Erika’s analysis on the first quote. Although Caesar did not heed the last warning, it is ironic how we as a reader are given insightful information about the conspirators’ treacherous plans. This quote shows that Caesar feels superior therefore, he does not take the warnings seriously and disregards his own death again.
DeleteDramatic Irony: The irony in Act 3 Scene 1 is that nearly everybody surrounding Caesar in this scene knows about the conspiracy which Caesar doesn't heed the warnings. Artemidorus tries to warn Caesar. The Soothsayer knows something bad will happen to Caesar on the ides of March. The people surrounding Caesar in this scene are the conspirators against him, and yet he does not realize it until he is killed.
ReplyDeleteVerbal Irony: "Hence. Wilt thou lift up Olympus?" (III.i.81)Nobody can lift up Olympus which is considered to be the home of the Greek gods. I thought that this was a Roman Republic not a Greek city-state.
Situtational Irony: Brutus stabs Caesar and Caesar says "Et tu, Brute?" (III.i.84) Brutus pledged allegiance to Caesar and was a close friend to Caesar. Caesar probably and most likely did not expect a betrayal from Brutus.
I also thought about the situational irony about Brutus, but then "The Oatmeal's" comic said that situational irony was when the reverse was expected to happen. That would mean Brutus was going to save Caesar, but instead he killed him. I think that since the audience (us) already knew that Brutus was a conspirator, it takes away the situational irony, that would've been there if Brutus' decision was not told to us.
DeleteBut the second one was a good observation. I hadn't noticed that one.
I agree with Arda. I read that line before, but I never really thought about it how you did. Maybe it's used as a form of sarcasm.
DeleteBONUS:
DeleteTaking a complete guess.
"It all depends on the storyteller, the characters, and how obnoxious the listener feels like being that day."
This refers to situational irony because the listener interprets the story his/her own way and can consider something not ironic when the storyteller intended for it to be ironic. Something that isn't ironic could also be considered ironic depending on the listener.
Verbal Irony: When Cassius says: "The men that gave thier country liberty." It is ironic because since the conspirators had killed Caesar it had formed the second triumvirate and eventually led Rome to become an empire.
ReplyDelete???Situational Irony???: When Antony goes around to shake everyone's hands he shakes Trebonius last, who had took him out as so Antony could not stop the death of Caesar.
Dramatic Irony: When brutus kneels to Caesdar we all know that he will kill Caesar but, Caesar doesn't realize this, he only thinks about why they want Cimber's brother to be released from exile.
Bonus: What is ironic to Oatmeal's last statement about irony is that the listener must feel really obnoxious during this. We are the listeners and some of us probably felt obnoxious when we read all those dumb examples.
Dramatic irony: I agree with Erika and Emily. I can't understand why Caesar does not listen to the Soothslayer and Artemidorus' warnings. Shouldn't a leader who wants to be king take in consideration the thoughts of his people. The entire time he brushes both of them off I wanted to kill him myself, becuase of his ignorance. If he had just listened he may have not been stabbed to death.
ReplyDeleteVerbal Irony: (III.i.61-62) Cassius tells Caesar to pardon as he kneels "as low as Caesar's feet". How can he be so disciplined to do and say this to the one he despises so much? Well, he does get to stab Caesar right after, which was probably what he was waiting for.
Situational Irony: (III.i.57-58.) First, Brutus kisses Caesar's hand. It is quite ironic that he does this right before he stabs Caesar. Brutus had trouble joining the conspiracy at first, because he was friends with Casear. The kiss on the hand really makes you think if Brutus is like saying sorry or sympathizing Caesar before he actually kills him.
I agree with your example for the Situational Irony. "The Oatmeal's" definition of situational irony stated that the reverse happened (as Arda mentioned above). I think in this case Brutus's actions have opposite intentions. I also agree in that I think Brutus is trying to say sorry for betraying Caesar.
DeleteI also agree with you and Lilly. I also wanted to say that I think it was situational irony for Caesar, but dramatic irony for me (aka the "reader"). Caesar thought that the kiss Brutus gave on his hand symbolized his trust and friendship to him, because as you mentioned they were friends once. Caesar didn't expect Brutus to stab him. However, it was sort of a dramatic irony for me, because there were little "clues" in the past acts where Brutus was questioning his thoughts toward Caesar, for example in Act II when he was afraid that Caesar would be corrupted with power, etc. (By the way, I don't know if you know this, but these little "clues" is an example of foreshadowing.) So basically, I kind've expected Brutus to go against Caesar eventually.
DeleteSituational (?)
ReplyDeleteCASSIUS: "Some should go to the public platforms and cry out, 'Liberty, freedom, and democracy!'
Confusion. Exeunt some plebeians and senators" (III.i.86-88)"
This is situational irony. The conspirators felt that killing Caesar is the best option, and perhaps the only option. However, the plebeians does not understand the intention originally.
Situational
"Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar’s body.
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar,
And say you do ’t by our permission." (III.i.258-261)
I find this ironic how the conspirators would let Mark Antony to say the positive, good things of Julius Caesar. If someone wants to say something positive about Julius Caesar, you would want to reveal the whole truth. However, Cassius and Mark Antony does not want their plan to be revealed.
Situational
"And that we are contented Caesar shall
Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.
It shall advantage more than do us wrong" (III.i.254-256)
It is ironic how Brutus and Cassius does not like Caesar, but still has to give the respect and honor to Caesar, a fellow friend.
This reminds me that Brutus and Cassius still has to "give in" to benefit. Like how people say, "No pain, no gain." You have to give in a little to get something you want in return.
Bonus Question:
DeleteI decided to take a "stab" at it..
The ironic thing about the very last statement is how it tells the audience irony depends on person telling the story. However, the second part contradicts it, "how obnoxious (extremely unpleasant) the listener feels that day." It tells us two parts, irony depends on the storyteller and the reader.
An example of dramatic irony would be when Brutus joins the conspirators in killing Caesar. Caesar himself would never imagine his own friend ever trying to assassinate him. The audience, of course, knows that Brutus had eventually joined the conspiracy and stabbed Caesar twenty three times along with the other conspirators in front of the statue of Pompey. I think Caesar's character is a bit oblivious and clueless. I don't feel sympathetic that Caesar died. He was a stubborn fool who just led himself to his own death. There has been so much premonition about his death but he just ignored all of the warnings. For example, the soothsayer had told Caesar to "beware the ides of March" and Calphurnia shouting "Help ho, they murder Caesar." in her sleep.
ReplyDeleteVerbal & Dramatic Irony:
ReplyDeleteI realized an example of dramatic irony in Act 3 Scene 1, generally from lines 36-83, the conspirators put their plan to action. While it is clear to the audience that the conspirators kneel around Caesar to make sure nothing goes wrong and that they have definitely surrounded him, Caesar genuinely believes that they were sincere/desperate for the pardon of Publius Cimber's banishment.
I also recognized verbal irony in this scene. When all the conspirators surround Caesar, they compliment and praise him (although it is for distraction), for example:
"O Caesar-"(III.i.80)
"Great Caesar-" (III.i.82)
The conspirators say such things, yet they accuse him of wanting power to become king and kill him right after.
Verbal Irony: Another example of verbal irony is when Caesar is dead and Cinna proclaims:
"Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets." (III.i.86-87)
Cinna thinks of Caesar as the tyranny in this state, yet just before the conspirators stabbed Caesar, Cinna was one of the kneeling men and he had even praised Caesar:
"O Caesar-"(III.i.80)
This clearly show the irony he uses in both his diction and tone.
I agree with your example of verbal irony where Cinna thinks of Caesar as a tyrant. Verbal irony is presented since Cinna compliments and praises Caesar when he was kneels in front of Caesar, but I think he personally is displeased with Caesar and can't wait to finally take him away.
DeleteDramatic Irony: III.i.1-15 : I find this section of Act three extremely frustrating. At this point, Caesar is given countless warnings that have only been ignored. Also, I find it ironic how Caesar says "What, is the fellow mad?" In reality, Caesar is the one that should be asked if he is crazy.
ReplyDelete-Another example of Dramatic Irony is that Julius Caesar dies at the foot of Pompey's Statue. This is ironic because Pompey's head was shipped to Caesar upon his death. Now Caesar is dead in front of Pompey's statue.
Verbal Irony: An example of verbal irony is when Brutus says "(kneeling) I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar,
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may Have an immediate freedom of repeal" He says this very pleadingly to Caesar . But in III.i.90, he says People and senators, be not affrighted. Fly not. Stand still. Ambition’s debt is paid" This shows his true intentions despite the fact that he suffered internal conflicts when deciding if he should join the conspirators.
Situational Irony: In the beginning of the play, it could be clearly determined that Brutus is someone Caesar really trusts. However, in lines 84 to 86 of III.i, Caesar experiences something that is almost exactly the opposite. Caesar's most trusted companion has just betrayed him. (I was not so sure about this situational irony)
I am really just going to take a guess at the bonus question.
Delete"It all depends on the storyteller, the characters, and how obnoxious the listener feels like being that day."
I think this is situational irony because the storyteller can be telling a straight forward question, while in fact, the listener is interpreting the text or story as ironic. This is ironic because the intended irony of the author was to not create an ironic situation for the reader but the reader does the exact opposite. (NOT SURE)
Dramtic irony-> When everyone is following Caesar to the senate house, he probably thought they were coming because they were his loyal followers and admirers. In reality, they just wanted to kill him when given the chance.
ReplyDeleteSituational irony-> Brutus kisses Caesar's hand before killing him, as though it's his way of saying sorry to what will happen.
Verbal irony-> Metellus tells Caesar many complements in the beginning of the scene. Yet later, he is part of the group that stabs Casear and cover their hands and swords in blood.
To the verbal irony example -
DeleteI agree with this example. I do not think Brutus was kissing Caesar's hand in apology, though; the "kiss of death," so to speak, serves as more of a farewell.
I agree with Daria and Monica about the "farewell kiss" Brutus gave to Caesar in III.i.57-59. Brutus knew that the conspirators were all going against Caesar and probably supported the act himself, but still kisses his hand not out of guilt, but probably as a "goodbye".
Deletei definetly agree with the dramatic irony, as do many others.. this made me change my view of Julius from all powerful, to clueless. It made him seem like a sort of pawn in the play....
DeleteSituational irony: III.i.15-30, Cassius and Brutus expected that their plot against Caesar would not be known by anyone except the other conspirators. However, the Soothsayer and Popilius knew about it.
ReplyDeleteI found that interesting because I also tought that only the conspirators snd Soothsayer knew about the conspiracy. When Popilius, who is just a senator and not one of the conspirators, said, "I wish your enterprise today may thrive," I was shocked.
However, Brutus later says, "Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes, / For look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change" (III.i.26-7). Before, Shakespeare tries to trick us by making us think that others have found out about the conspiracy, but then, he messes with our later expectations by telling us that we were correct the first time.
The dramatic situation I found is based on the situational irony. Brutus, Cassius, and the other condpiratots believed that their plot was a complete secret. However, we as a readers know that the Soothsayer had known this before hand. I was surprised to see how these senators did not think that someone might actually know, and that they could be in trouble. (III.i.15-35)
DeleteThe verbal situation I found can be located on III.i.164-166. In these lines, Antony states, " Omighty Caesar, dost thou lie so low? / Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils / Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.--" I think that Mark Antony had planned to say this to dead Caesar in front of the conspirators to show them that he is on their side by being sarcastic. Because we have read ahead, we know that Antony was always on Caesar's side. However, a reader who had just finished reading this part of the play would assume that Mark Antony's now against Caesar. In thiese lines, Mark Antony mocks Caesar by telling him of his great conquests and saying how the tables have turned. This, in my belief, portrays him as cunning because Antony knew not to go against the conspirators immediatel. Instead, he awaits the right time.
DeleteVerbal Irony:
ReplyDeleteone example of verbal irony in The play of Julius Caesar, act 3, is when Antony says that, compared to Brutus, he is not an orator. However Antony’s speech shows the exact opposite of that. Antony speaks as if he is an experienced orator.
DESCRIBING THE EFFECT - this makes me view Antony as very clever, and scheming
Situational Irony:
One example of situational irony is the fact that in the beginning, Brutus is supposed to be a loyal warrior to Caesar. However , in the end, things turn out completely different. Brutus ends up betraying and killing Caesar.
DESCRIBING THE EFFECT - This makes me view Brutus a little differently. I now look at Brutus as a traitor, and a bit unloyal, however, in another perspective, Brutus WAS LOYAL to the COUNTRY the whole time.
dramatic irony:
one example of dramatic irony is when Cinna kneels to Caesar (III.i. 80), Caesar does not understand the significance of this kneel, to him it just looks like Cinna is praising him. However, we as readers know that this marks the beginning of the murder plan.
DESCRIBING THE EFFECT - this made me view caesar as very ignorant, and clueless, taking away my sympathy for him, when he died.
Frishta A.
ReplyDeleteVerbal and Dramatic Irony
Verbal irony:
CINNA
(kneeling) Oh, Caesar—
DECIUS
(kneeling) Great Caesar—
This is verbal irony because you can see clearly that their words are not sincere and has a totally different connotation in the Conspirators point of view.
Dramatic irony:
CASSIUS
So oft as that shall be,
So often shall the knot of us be called
“The men that gave their country liberty.”
The ironic thing about this line is the fact that what Cassius states here is that they are the heroes of Rome who gave freedom and would be honored and worshiped but as time progresses they are all killed for their deeds and thought as murderers.
Also the most ironic thing was when Brutus addresses the public in III.ii.1-55 Where you have Brutus explaining to the people that they had to kill Julius Caesar, so that Rome could remain free, with no king. The people are so impressed, they decide that they want Brutus to be king.
Verbal Irony
ReplyDeleteThe most prominent example of verbal irony for me was Mark Antony's lines for Caesar's funeral oration. Starting from III.ii.91 and continuing throughout the entire speech, Antony claims that the conspirators are "honorable" men. At the closure of his speech, however, Antony has convinced the plebeians of the opposite.
Antony directs subtle sarcasm toward at the conspirators. As evident from the reactions of the masses, Antony's use of verbal irony propels others to action. Antony most likely used irony in order to appear loyal to Brutus and the other conspirators on the surface; in this way, Antony technically did not betray Brutus' trust (from III.i.271-274) when he rallied the plebeians via rhetoric. I started to view Antony as a more calculating and two-faced individual due to this example.
Dramatic Irony (?)
I do not know if this is an example of dramatic irony, but in III. i.125-126, Cassius wonders if Caesar's death will be reenacted in other places with future generations. Since "Julius Caesar" is a very popular play translated to different languages, the audience knows Cassius' words to hold true.
Shakespeare probably utilized this example of dramatic irony to humor the Elizabethan audience. The lines reveal Cassius' belief in the righteousness behind murdering Caesar. These lines made me sympathize a bit more with Cassius and the other conspirators, as many of them may have truly believed that they were saving the Roman republic from the rule of a tyrant or king.
As for situational irony, my classmates have already posted the examples that I have thought of.
1. Dramatic Irony:
ReplyDeleteCaesar thought of Brutus as a close friend, yet the audience/ readers knew that Brutus was one of the conspirators.
2. Verbal Irony:
During Brutus' speech to the plebeians about Caesar's death, he mentions the dreadful things Brutus [and the conspirators] have done. Though, each time during his speech in memory of Ceasar he ends with saying how "honourable" Brutus is; when in fact, Brutus [appeared to have had] the greatest impact on Caesar during Caesar's death.
3. Situational Irony:
Previously, we notice that Caesar talks about how he's basically invincible [II.ii.34-39]; it is ironic to Act III because here in Act III, he dies. This made me think that Caesar was quite ignorant of the Soothsayer, and should have heard what Artemidorus wanted to say.
Situation Irony:
ReplyDeleteBefore Caesar enters the Capitol, Artemidorus attempts to warn Caesar of the specific people he should be cautious of. The message that Artemidorus wrote was:
“Caesar, beware of Brutus. Take heed of Cassius. Come not near Casca. Have an eye to Cinna. Trust not Trebonius. Mark well Metellus Cimber. Decius Brutus loves thee not. Thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you. Security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee!
Thy lover,
Artemidorus” (II.iii.7-16)
The message was situation irony because Caesar rejected to read Artemidorus letter that may have saved Caesar’s life.
Verbal Irony:
Cassius was afraid that his plans were discovered by Popillius. Popillius said, “I wish your enterprise today may thrive. Fare you well.” (III.i.16-18) Cassius misunderstood Popillius’ greetings and told the other conspirators that “If our secret’s known, either Caesar or I will die, for I’ll kill myself.” (III.i.25-26) Cassius’ response is a verbal irony because Cassius is foreshadowing to the readers that either Caesar or the conspirators will be murdered on March 15th. But the conspirators received this message as a signal, that it is the perfect time to murder Caesar.
1) Verbal irony: 1.iii.39-40 "This disturbed sky is not to walk in."
ReplyDeleteIf we look closely at what Cicero says we may see (this is opinionated) that Cicero may actually be telling him not to do anything that is considered irrational.
2) Dramatic irony occurs when it took a long time for Brutus to realize that he should assassinate Caesar while the audience (us) know that he will eventually deal the final blow upon Caesar, due to historical context.
3) Situational irony is seen when the conspirators murder Caesar for the peace and honor of Rome, but what they get in return is a raging mob, a second triumvirate coming after them, and turmoil.
Bonus) The final thought of this comic is rather ironic because he is one of those "raging idiots" that is spreading debatable thought about whether something is ironic or not.
situation Irony: When the conspirators finally executed their plan and killed Caesar, they were in front of a statue of Pompey.
ReplyDeletethis is irony because Caesar was the reason Pompey died, and Caesar was murdered in front of the statue of the person he practically murdered.
Verbal irony: When Mark Antony compared his skills as an orator to Brutus' skills as an orator and when he said that Brutus was the better orator. It is irony because in the following pages, Mark Antony was able to convince the people in the audience to try to kill the conspirators, which shows that he was the better orator. He also calls them honorable men, even though he slanders them during his speech
Dramatic irony: Caesar said that he did not trust Cassius because of how he was acting and by his looks. It is irony because the audience knew that Cassius was plotting with other senators to kill Caesar. Another example was how the soothsayer and Caesar's wife were warning him that something bad was going to happen in march 15, but Caesar kept on with his schedule. It is irony because the audience knew that it would be the day Caesar would be assassinated.
Bonus: The comic informs the reader on three types of irony. Which include dramatic, verbal, and situation irony. Oatmeal notes three criteria that are needed to identify an ironic statement. The statement can be ironic if the storyteller intentionally mentions it, the reaction of the characters, and most importantly the reader’s reaction to the statement. Oatmeal adds an irony within his explanation. He characterized the reader as “obnoxious.” It will be ironic to the readers who would accept the term “obnoxious” as a compliment to their preference on being very picky on which statement they find ironic.
ReplyDeleteThis is on behalf of Samuel C. He is experiencing technical difficulties with the blog.
ReplyDeleteHere is an example of Dramatic irony that I think was forgotten to be mentioned. In Act 3 Scene 3, we know that the plebians had a brutal and gory mindset. However, Cinna did not know that he was going to die. When he senses that there is an erie aura in the air, he simply walks forward and meets his doom. When he comes upon the plebians, he answers each of their questions truthfuly, but did not expect to be babarically killed and torn apart. This scene of dramatic irony may have been included by Shakepeare inorder to show the bruta and gullible natue of the plebians, and the amount of power that Caesar possessed, even after death.
1) Situational Irony: When Julius Caesar dies in front of Pompey's statue it is an example of situational irony because of how Pompey was an enemy of Caesar. My interpretation of irony is that after Pompey has died, Caesar had his head shipped to him showing that Pompey "died" in front of Caesar in a way just as how Caesar will die in front of Pompey.
ReplyDeleteSecond Example: (III.i.259) Brutus says that Anthony should not blame him and the conspirators for what they have done. What Anthony does instead is that he used his oratory skills and sarcasm to persuade the plebeians into thinking what the conspirators have done is tragic rather then being beneficial to the people of Rome.
2)Dramatic Irony: I think dramatic irony is the driving force of the whole play because of how the conspiracy against Caesar is the main part of the plot. This is ironic because Caesar was oblivious to the conspiracy while we knew that the group of conspirators which even included Anthony, his closest friend, were plotting to assassinate him. Caesar did not heed the multiple warnings of the soothsayer who told him to be wary of what would happen on the Ides of March but when the time came, he was murdered by the conspirators.
3)Verbal Irony: Antony's speech to the plebeians is full of verbal irony. When he talks of the conspirators of being honorable men he is actually talking about them in a degrading, sarcastic manner while praising Caesar and making the plebeians pity Caesar for what has happened to him. Antony repeatedly calls the men wise and honorable while he truly feels that the men should be condemned for what they have done.
Sorry for the late post. I was notified by a friend that my previous post did not appear on the blog.
Dramatic Irony?: A character, Cinna the Poet, just happens to show up when the crowd to going after the conspirators. He also happens to have the same name as one of the conspirators and is taken away. He doesn't know why because he's innocent but we do. The effect of this action is to show that the crowd is serious about the conspirators and even if an innocent person arrives, if the crowd is even 1% suspicious of them being a conspirator, they are taken away...
ReplyDeleteDramatic Irony: Caesar is warned over and over again by people, such as the soothesayer, to "beware the ides of march" yet he refuses to listen. This is frustrating for the reader because we know what will happen but cannot help but hope that Caesar will listen to the Soothesayer and save himself from a terrible fate.
ReplyDeleteSituational Irony: Caesar is killed infront of Pompey's statue. This is Ironic because when Pompey was killed, his head was shipped to Caesar.
Verbal: Cassius misunderstands Popillius and assumes he knew of the conspiracy. In reality, Pollius really did know of their plans but cassius discovered it by accident.