Dramatic Irony Seen In The Novel Lord Of The Flies
The novel "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding is a classic tale of survival and human nature. The story follows a group of young boys who are stranded on a deserted island and must fend for themselves. Throughout the novel, Golding uses dramatic irony to create suspense and tension, as well as to comment on the nature of humanity.
What is Dramatic Irony?
Dramatic irony occurs when the audience or reader knows something that the characters in a story do not. This creates tension and suspense, as the audience waits to see how the characters will react when they discover the truth. In "Lord of the Flies," Golding uses dramatic irony to comment on the nature of humanity and to create tension and suspense.
Examples of Dramatic Irony in "Lord of the Flies"
One example of dramatic irony in "Lord of the Flies" is the fact that the boys do not realize they are on an island. They believe that they are still in the midst of a war and that rescue is imminent. However, the audience knows that they are stranded on a deserted island and that rescue may not come for some time.
Another example of dramatic irony in the novel is the fact that the boys do not realize that the beast they fear is actually a figment of their imagination. The audience knows that there is no real beast on the island, but the boys are convinced that it is real and that it poses a threat to their survival.
Finally, the most significant example of dramatic irony in "Lord of the Flies" is the fact that the boys do not realize that they are the ones responsible for their own downfall. They believe that the evil on the island is external, but the audience knows that the true evil lies within themselves.
The Significance of Dramatic Irony in "Lord of the Flies"
The use of dramatic irony in "Lord of the Flies" serves several purposes. First, it creates tension and suspense, as the audience waits to see how the characters will react when they discover the truth. Second, it comments on the nature of humanity, showing that humans are capable of great evil, even when they believe themselves to be good.
Finally, the use of dramatic irony in "Lord of the Flies" highlights the theme of the novel, which is the inherent evil of humanity. By showing the boys' gradual descent into savagery and violence, Golding comments on the darker aspects of human nature and the potential for evil in all of us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of dramatic irony in "Lord of the Flies" is a powerful literary device that serves to create tension and suspense, comment on the nature of humanity, and highlight the theme of the novel. By using this technique, Golding is able to create a thought-provoking and impactful story that continues to be studied and admired to this day.