The objective of this lesson is for Year 10 English students to gain an understanding of what dramatic irony is, and how it is used in Shakespeare's Macbeth. They should then be able to apply this knowledge to their own creative writing exercises.
We will be going over:
What is Dramatic Irony?
How can it be used to create humour or interest?
How has Shakespeare used it to effect in Macbeth?
How might you use it in your own stories?
Dramatic Irony occurs when you, the audience or reader, knows something a character does not. You are "in on a secret". This is often used to create humour.
This video gives you an idea of what Dramatic Irony is, and how it can be used effectively.
Have a think about any examples of dramatic irony you might have come across when we read Macbeth.
For example, was there anything Macbeth and/or Lady Macbeth and the audience knew that other characters did not?
After a few minutes, we will get into small groups and discuss our thoughts.
Get into pairs and discuss how you might use this effect in your own short stories (Assignment 3).