Dramatic Irony ~ Irony that is inherent in speeches or a situation of a drama and is understood by the audience but not grasped by the characters in the play.
Example- Romeo and Juliet
When Romeo finds Juliet in a drugged sleep, he assumes she is dead and kills himself. Upon awakening to find her dead lover beside her, Juliet then kills herself.
Authors use dramatic irony to help the reader/audience member plummet headfirst into the book/play and involve themselves in the literature. Dramatic irony makes reader/audience feel special knowing something that the characters/actors don't so they pay attention to the plot closely to see if the characters ever figure it out.
Dramatic Monologue ~ a poetic form in which a single character, addressing a silent auditor at a critical moment, reveals himself or herself and the dramatic situation.
Example- Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet
Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio are going to the Capulet's party. While wondering how to get into the party since they are all Montagues he states that he will not dance. Mercutio begins to mock Romeo, and Romeo responds by saying that he had a dream that going to the party was a bad idea. Mercutio delivers a monologue about Queen Mab, the queen of the fairies who visits peoples dreams.
Play writes use dramatic monologues as a means of characterization. Dramatic monologues are used to express the views of a character and offers the audience a greater insight into the character's feelings
Dramatic monologue - look at "MY LAST DUCHESS"
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