Question

which hypothetical statement about brutus would be an example of situational irony?
○ brutus claims that tyrants must not be in power, but he is a tyrant.
○ brutus is persuaded to join the conspiracy by fake letters written by cassius.
○ the audience knows that brutus will join the conspiracy, but caesar does not.
○ brutus becomes ruler after assassinating caesar, only to discover that people want to kill him.

Explanation:

Situational irony occurs when there's a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: This is more of a contradiction in character (verbal or dramatic irony maybe), not situational as it's about his claim vs his nature.
• Option 2: This is about persuasion, no irony of situation here.
• Option 3: This is dramatic irony (audience knows more than a character), not situational.
• Option 4: Brutus assassinates Caesar to maybe prevent tyranny or for some cause, and then becomes ruler. The situationally ironic part is that after gaining power (by killing Caesar), he now faces the threat of being killed by people, which is the opposite of what one would expect after becoming ruler.

Answer:

D. Brutus becomes ruler after assassinating Caesar, only to discover that people want to kill him.