Dramatic irony is used in storytelling to create tension, humor, and engagement by letting the audience know more than the characters, as illustrated in the examples provided.
Dramatic Irony in 'I think we’re back in business'
The question pertains to the use of dramatic irony within a particular scene of a narrative. Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something that the characters do not, which creates tension and often a sense of anticipation or dread. In the quoted excerpts, we have several instances that could reflect dramatic irony. For example, a character attempting to turn lead into gold or solve the national debt crisis is seen by the audience as futile given the historical context, yet the characters proceed with hope. Another instance is Twain's narrative where the audience is aware of Mr. Bixby's trickery before the narrator himself realizes it. This fuels humor and simultaneously allows for a sense of superiority in the audience, as they are 'in' on the joke before the protagonist.
These excerpts highlight how dramatic irony can serve as a critical tool in storytelling, whether to build tension, provide comedic relief, or enhance the overall audience engagement with the narrative.