Question

From the passage, readers know that the narrator plans Fortunato's destruction. At the same time, the narrator says that when he smiles at Fortunato, Fortunato “did not perceive that my smile was now at the thought of his immolation.” What effect does the contrast between the reader’s knowledge and Fortunato’s reaction create?

Answer 1

Answer:

It creates a dramatic effect, with a strong influence of dramatic irony.

Explanation:

The fact that Fortunato does not have access to important information, which the reader has access to and which has to do with Fortunato's survival and malaise, gives the reader a strong effect of drama and suspense.

This is explained by the dramatic irony, where the reader knows something and understands that a situation is happening, but the character does not know.