ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -This is a classic example of dramatic irony, as the audience knows that the sword is poisoned, while the characters do not. The irony lies in the fact that Laertes intended to kill Hamlet, but instead he will die himself.

Detailed explanation-2: -Application of Irony: One would expect Laertes to draw first blood as he is a better skilled swordsman than Hamlet. However, he dies by poison first because the sword that was intended to kill Hamlet was used on him.

Detailed explanation-3: -The other type of irony that can be found is the situational irony. It is the type of irony where something happens that is not expected. One of the instance would be again from Act III Scene IV; when Hamlet unintentionally kills Polonius as he was spying on Hamlet’s conversation with his mother .

Detailed explanation-4: -When something happens that goes entirely against our expectations, usually in a funny or twisted manner. A fire station on fire is a perfect example of situational irony. We would expect a place dedicated to fighting fires to be the least likely to be on fire, but the fire itself subverts our expectations.

Detailed explanation-5: -Dramatic irony: the audience knows the real reason why Juliet is crying: Romeo has been banished. Romeo returns to Verona. He find Juliet drugged, in a death-like sleep. He assumes she is dead and kills himself.