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Which two lines of dialogue show how dramatic irony creates humor in the passage?

The Pep Rally
by Deborah Korthof

CHARACTERS:
WILL, a 15-year-old boy
BEN, a 15-year-old boy
JENNY, a 15-year-old girl

Stage set: WILL and BEN are in their high school's gym for the homecoming pep rally. JENNY, the girl WILL wants to ask to the homecoming dance, is standing nearby completely dressed up in school spirit attire and cheering loudly.

BEN: This isn't the Sadie Hawkins dance, Will. You have to ask her. She's not going to ask you.

WILL: But, now? It's so loud in here that I can't even hear myself think.

BEN: You've been putting this off for two weeks. The dance is tonight. It's now or never, man.

(WILL nods in agreement and then makes his way down the bleachers to stand next to JENNY. It is even louder where she is standing near the marching band.)

WILL: (trying to talk over the crowd) Hey, Jenny. Would you like to go to the dance with me?

JENNY: (loudly while nodding in agreement) You're right! We're going to see a victory.

WILL: (a little louder while nodding in disagreement) No. Jenny, I was wondering if you would be my date?

JENNY: (nods bigger in agreement this time) I totally agree. The game is going to be great!

WILL: (louder and pointing to try and make his statement clearer) Jenny, if you would let me (points to himself), I’d like to escort you (pointing to her) on the dance floor (points to the gym floor).

JENNY: (apologetically) You want a spirit shirt? Sorry, no, I don't have any more.

WILL: (accepting defeat) Thanks anyway, Jenny.

JENNY: No problem, Will. I didn't realize you cared about football as much as I do. If tonight was the Sadie Hawkins dance instead of homecoming, I'd ask you to be my date.

User Mrblrrd
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1 Answer

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In the passage, the two lines of dialogue that show how dramatic irony creates humor are:

WILL: (louder and pointing to try and make his statement clearer) Jenny, if you would let me (points to himself), I’d like to escort you (pointing to her) on the dance floor (points to the gym floor).

JENNY: (apologetically) You want a spirit shirt? Sorry, no.

The humor stems from the fact that Will is trying to ask Jenny to the dance, but Jenny misunderstands his intentions and thinks he's asking for a spirit shirt. This miscommunication creates a funny moment due to the dramatic irony of their contrasting expectations.
User Tdashroy
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