Question

In this passage from act IV of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet goes to Friar Laurence for advice because her father is forcing her to marry Count Paris. When she gets to the Friar’s room, Paris is there, arranging for the wedding. Which literary technique is used in this exchange between Paris and Juliet?

Answer 1

Dramatic Irony is the literary technique.

Answer 2

The literary technique used in this excerpt of the play is known as "Dramatic Irony". This occurs when the audience in the play are aware of what is happening within the plot of the representation. Irony tends to have a comical touch. In the case of this particular scene, Juliet is presented as a submissive young lady; "I have learned me to repent the sin / Of disobedient opposition", says Juliet. The audience know that she is concealing the fact that she married Romeo in secret. It is humorous to watch her pretending to be obedient when previously she had proved being rebellious and Lord Capulet believing her words.