Tragic irony

Tragic irony occurs when there is a significant discrepancy between what a character or person believes to be true and what the audience knows to be true. This often leads to a poignant or devastating outcome, as the character makes choices based on their misunderstandings or misconceptions. A classic example is in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," where the audience knows Juliet is alive, but Romeo does not, leading to his tragic decision. This device heightens emotional impact and highlights the themes of fate, knowledge, and human folly.