Question

read the excerpt from act 2, scene 1, of julius caesar.
brutus. and for mark antony, think not of him,
for he can do no more than caesar’s arm
when caesar’s head is off.
how does this example of dramatic irony affect the audience?
○ it makes brutus seem honorable.
○ it heightens suspense because mark antony is dangerous.
○ it makes cassius look weak and indecisive.
○ it heightens suspense because brutus is dangerous.

Explanation:

Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows more than the character. Here, the audience is aware that Mark Antony is far more politically shrewd and dangerous than Brutus believes; he will later turn the Roman mob against the conspirators. This gap between Brutus's underestimation and the audience's knowledge builds tension and suspense.

Answer:

It heightens suspense because Mark Antony is dangerous.