A dramatist often creates a gap between what the audience knows and what the characters know. With reference to at least two plays, discuss how and to what effect dramatists have used this technique.
Like in many tragedies, Sophocles, Shakespeare, and Ibsen all integrate foreshadowing, irony, and comedy into their plays. For example, the image of blindness and absence of sight occur all throughout "Oedipus the King". This is ironic because in the end of the play, Oedipus gouges out his own eyes as a last ditch effort to escape the mental and emotional anguish in his life. Also, Shakespeare hints at the death of Romeo and Juliet through the constant brawls and war between their families. The fighting would ultimately unravel the relationship until they entered the solace of death. In Ibsen, the family almost takes on the mentality of ignorance is bliss. The less they know about something, the happier they are and the less difficult their life is. This mentality is also prevalent in Oedipus the King where he seeks to know about his prophecy, but eventually drives him to insanity.
These examples give a gap between what the audience and the characters know. With enough foreshadowing, the reader can predict pretty accurately what happens in the plot before it occurs. Yet, with this knowledge brings a tension that creates suspense in the reader. The suspense drives the reader to continue reading, compelling them to inform the character of the knowledge that is being witheld. But usually, the knowledge only presents itself to the character right before their death, or tragic fall from grace or power.
I agree Jarrad. I would also like to point out the fact that, at least in Oedipus, the audience already has knowledge of how the story will play out. This provides a greater focus on Sophocles as a playwright. Otherwise good stuff.
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