Read the excerpt from part two of Trifles . COUNTY ATTORNEY: Oh, I guess they’re not very dangerous things the ladies have picked up. (Moves a few things about, disturbing the quilt pieces which cover the box. Steps back.) No, Mrs. Peters doesn’t need supervising. For that matter, a sheriff’s wife is married to the law. Ever think of it that way, Mrs. Peters? Which of the following most accurately describes this excerpt?
Answer
A
It is verbal irony because the County Attorney means precisely the opposite of what he is actually saying.
B
It is not an example of any type of irony because the County Attorney is simply making a statement.
C
It is situational irony because the County Attorney has actually issued a relevant warning to Mrs. Peters without realizing it.
D
It is dramatic irony because the audience knows that the County Attorney does not actually mean what he is saying.
Explanation
This is situational irony because the County Attorney casually says that a sheriff’s wife is “married to the law,” not realizing that Mrs. Peters will ultimately help conceal evidence rather than uphold the law. His remark therefore becomes an unintended warning that is relevant to what she does. He is not deliberately saying the opposite of what he means, so this is not verbal irony.
AI-written and checked against the verified answer.