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Definition of Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a... read full definition
Scene 8
Explanation and Analysis—Eilif's Execution:
During Scene 8, in an instance of dramatic irony, Mother Courage misses saying a final goodbye to her son and doesn't know he's going to be executed. Soldiers bring Eilif to Mother Courage’s wagon so he can see his mother one last time before he is executed. The soldiers intend to execute Eilif because he attacked peasants and stole their cattle. He had enacted similar deeds in wartime and was praised for them. However, since a crowd of Lutherans announced the death of their King and the coming of peace, Eilif’s act of violence takes place in peacetime and therefore is a crime.
Eilif’s act thus occurs precisely at the wrong time. War breaks out before the scene concludes. If he had stolen the cattle moments before or after, he likely would have lived. In another mishap, Eilif also arrives at the wagon at the wrong time, for Mother Courage hardly ever leaves her wagon, but she left moments before Eilif arrived. Mother Courage has no idea that Eilif is to be executed, but the audience does know what's about to happen to him. Because of the discrepancy between Mother Courage’s knowledge and the audience's knowledge, this moment is an example of dramatic irony that makes the ending even more tragic. Mother Courage ends the play by searching for what she believes to be her one living child: Eilif. The audience, though, knows Eilif has died and that Mother Courage is searching for him in vain.
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