Dramatic Irony: Brainworm's loyalties
Knowell receives a letter meant for his son and, knowing it is not for him, opens it anyway. He instructs his servant Brainworm to not tell Edward that he opened the letter, which Brainworm promises to heed. Brainworm, when asked by Edward about this, admits immediately that Knowell read the letter. This situation creates dramatic irony for Knowell, who has no idea that Edward is onto his father's concern and also that Brainworm is working against him.
Situational Irony: Bobadil
Bobadil is a captain and has military experience, which initially inclines the audience to perhaps see him as an important pillar of society. When he claims he can teach Matthew how to fight, it is again believable. But as the play continues, Bobadil proves more and more ridiculous and the audience sees him for what he really is—a boasting, buffoonish character. When Downright disarms him easily and he does not fight back, it is even more clear that his title of "Captain" is rather meaningless.
Dramatic Irony: Choler and Collar
Cash calls out to Cob, "Why, how now, Cob, what moves thee to this / choler, ha?" and Cob replies, "Collar, master Thomas? I scorn your collar" (49). What makes this funny and ironic, besides the simple wordplay, is that the audience knows the play is about the humours, and choler is one of them. Cob is certainly evincing choler right now as he angrily lambasts fasting days.
Verbal Irony: Matthew's poetry
Almost every time Matthew is talking about his poetry or reading his poetry, his friends are praising it in wholly ironic tones. When Matthew boasts of how he shared with Bridget his verse, Wellbred says ironically, "Sister, what ha' you here? verses? pray you, / let's see. Who made these verses? they are excellent good!" (62). What adds to the irony of this comes at the end of the play when it is revealed that Matthew does not even write most of his own verse; thus, Wellbred asking "who made these" is more cutting.
