3
Answer: DSet 3: Command of Evidence
Explanation
PASSAGE
In Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet*, the prologue reveals the outcome: 'A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.' This technique, called dramatic irony, means the audience knows the ending while the characters do not.
What effect does revealing the ending in the prologue have?
A. It reduces interest in the plot.
B. It allows the audience to focus on how the tragedy unfolds rather than what happens.
C. It confuses the audience about the timeline.
D. It proves Shakespeare was not a skilled playwright.✓ Correct
Detailed Explanation
Dramatic irony shifts focus from 'what' to 'how'. Knowing the ending, the audience can analyze the characters' choices that lead to tragedy.
Key Evidence:
• "audience knows the ending while the characters do not"
Why others are wrong: A (Critics agree it increases tension, not reduces interest.), C (The timeline is clearly stated.), D (This is a respected literary technique.).