Which statement is the best explanation of the dramatic
irony in this passage?
the audience knows that nora is excited by
helmer's words and waits for him to see it, creating
a contradictory situation.
the audience knows that nora has lied and that
therefore helmer's complaint about liars is
contradictory to his actual situation.
the audience knows that nora is unhappy, and
waits for her to realize it; this gives the audience a
different understanding of the situation.
the audience knows that helmer is kind and loving,
and waits for nora to realize this, creating a
disconnect between expectations and actions.

The correct answer is the second option: The audience knows that Nora has lied and that therefore Helmer's complaint about liars is contradictory to his actual situation.

Explanation:

Dramatic irony happens -as in the options provided- when the audience knows something that the characters of the: movie, play, etc.… don’t. The other options provided may be examples of drama, however, not irony; as irony itself means: incongruity. In the light of Nora lying and knowing Helmer’s complains about liars, we have an irony and a perfect example of dramatic irony here, as we know what will happen next, but Helmer and Nora don’t.  

the audience knows nora has lied and helmer is being contradictory.

on my last