NAME:__________________________	DATE:_____________
Postreading Activity
for Julius Caesar
Language Exploration.
Irony of Situation
ActV
Often in works of literature, the author will use irony of situation. Irony of situation occurs when a discrepancy exists between what a character says and what a character does, a discrepancy between what a character expects to happen and what does happen, or when an event occurs that directly contradicts the expectations of the reader or the audience.
For example, in Act I, scene i, Marullus reminds the citizens who are taking the day off from work to cheer Caesar's return from defeating Pompey's sons that they once cheered Pompey's victories. In Act I, scene ii, slow-witted Casca is able to describe in detail how Caesar refused the crown three times. Although it leads the Senate to name Caesar king, Casca doesn't see it as important. Caesar also does not grasp that it is ironic that Calphurnia's dream is a prophecy of his death, but Decius is able to use a more flattering interpretation to lure Caesar to his death.
Directions:   The following passages from Acts IV and V are examples of irony of situation. Copy the quote. Underline what you think the irony is. Explain why it is ironic. All of this must be typed. You may bullet your answers.
1. 4:1:6-7	2. 4:1:14-17	3. 4:3:120-127		4. 4:3:315-320		5. 5:1:79-80
6. 5:3:5-8	7. 5:3:29-32	8. 5:3:56-58		9. 5:3:105-107		10. 5:5:40-42