Dramatic irony is a literary device that occurs when the audience or readers are aware of something that the characters in a story are not. This creates a sense of suspense and anticipation as the audience waits to see how the characters will react when they eventually discover the truth. In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, dramatic irony plays a significant role in the development of the plot and the characters.
One example of dramatic irony in The Great Gatsby occurs when the narrator, Nick Carraway, first meets Gatsby. Gatsby introduces himself as a man who is well-educated and wealthy, and Nick is immediately impressed by him. However, the audience knows that Gatsby's wealth and social status are not entirely legitimate, as he has made his fortune through illegal means such as bootlegging and gambling. This creates a sense of irony as the audience watches Gatsby try to win over the upper-class society of East Egg, knowing that his true background is not what he presents it to be.
Another example of dramatic irony in The Great Gatsby occurs when Gatsby and Daisy are reunited after five years apart. Gatsby is desperate to win Daisy back and has spent the entire novel trying to impress her and regain her love. However, the audience knows that Daisy is not the pure, innocent woman that Gatsby remembers from their past. She is shallow and selfish, and her relationship with Tom Buchanan is based on material possessions rather than genuine love. This creates a sense of irony as Gatsby pours his heart out to Daisy, not realizing that she is not the same person he fell in love with all those years ago.
Dramatic irony also plays a role in the tragic ending of The Great Gatsby. The audience knows that Gatsby is responsible for the death of Myrtle Wilson, Tom's mistress, but the characters do not. This creates a sense of irony as Gatsby is blamed for the crime and eventually killed, not understanding that he is being punished for something he did not do.
In conclusion, dramatic irony plays a significant role in The Great Gatsby, adding depth and complexity to the characters and the plot. It creates a sense of suspense and anticipation for the audience, as they wait to see how the characters will react when they eventually discover the truth.
