"Irony has two meanings, and examples of both can be found in this play."
" "
"In its general sense, irony refers to a kind of twist of fate, where the result of an action 'bounces back' and affects the person who committed that action."
"When Shylock calls for justice and praises Portia as a wise judge, there is irony when she turns the tables on him by applying strict justice and bringing disaster to him."
" "
"Similarly, there is irony when Arragon claims that he will not be deceived by appearances, but goes on to choose the wrong casket anyway, still making himself part of"
"*... the fool multitude that choose by show."
6
"Even more important in the play is 'dramatic' irony. This is when the audience are in on a secret, but one or more characters are unaware."
" "
"A prime example is in the Trial Scene when neither Bassanio nor Gratiano are aware that their wives are present."
"Their comments about sacrificing their wives to save Antonio are given a delicious, humorous flavour which is brought into focus by the following comments of Portia and Nerissa."
" "
"Later, the whole ring episode depends for its appeal on dramatic irony. Again, Bassanio and Gratiano are the ignorant parties."
6
"Although dramatic irony is most frequently used for humorous purposes, it can also have a striking dramatic effect."
"For example, the suspense of the Trial Scene is heightened by the audience's knowledge that Portia is present in the court."
"Even before she reveals her trump card, there is an expectation that she must have some way of saving Antonio."
" "
"A similar expectation was aroused in the scene where Bassanio chooses the casket, since the audience already knows which of the three caskets must be the correct one."
"We can imagine an audience mentally urging Bassanio to choose correctly, as he makes his long deliberation."
