Final answer:
Dramatic irony in Romeo and Juliet is when the audience is aware of something that the characters are not.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dramatic irony is a literary device used to create tension and engage the audience in the play Romeo and Juliet. It occurs when the audience is aware of something that the characters are not. One example of dramatic irony in the play is when Romeo believes that Juliet is dead and drinks poison to join her in death, but the audience knows that Juliet is only in a deep sleep.
Another example is when Juliet takes a potion to make her appear dead, yet the audience knows that she is not truly deceased. Additionally, the audience is aware of the ongoing feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, while the characters are not fully aware of the extent of the hatred between their families. These instances of dramatic irony enhance the suspense and tragedy of the play.
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