The Chorus
At the beginning of the play, the Chorus informs the audience of the basic circumstances surrounding Romeo and Juliet (notably, the feud between the two families), and even divulges that the two lovers eventually take their own lives. The Chorus also notes that after the deaths of the protagonists, the feuding families are able to "bury their...strife" (Prologue). The tragic irony of this outcome is that two young people had to die before the feud could be put to rest.
The Lovers' Meeting
When Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time, Romeo is taken with Juliet's beauty, even comparing himself to a pilgrim who has come to worship at the "shrine" that is Juliet. Of course, Romeo is unaware that Juliet is a Capulet, creating dramatic irony as he continues to pursue his enemy.
Mercutio's Death
When Mercutio dies, his final words are condemnation for both the Montagues and the Capulets. A critic of both houses throughout the play, Mercutio is often seen as the voice of reason that could have helped mediate a resolution to the feud. Ironically, however, he is killed halfway through the play, ensuring that the feud will continue and even more death and destruction will follow.
Romeo's Death
The most tragic example of dramatic irony in the play occurs, of course, when Romeo thinks Juliet is dead. Having taken a heavy sleeping potion, Juliet appears dead to everyone around her, including her lover. Romeo's response to seeing his "dead" wife is to take his own life with a dagger. Juliet then awakes shortly after to find Romeo dead beside her, and responds in turn by stabbing herself.
