Dramatic Irony
The author hints to readers that Lucrezia will not marry the Duke of Ferrara currently because she is faking that she has never menstruated. The wedding is in top gear because Lucrezia's parents have arranged for her to marry the Duke as soon as possible. Ironically, the marriage does not proceed because any woman who has never menstruated cannot get married. There is a dramatic irony in this context because readers know what is about to happen, but the concerned characters do not.
The irony of Alfonso
Before Lucrezia marries Alfonso, she knows he is a good, caring, kind and loving man. Lucrezia convinces her friends that she is marrying a good man who values women. Ironically, after living with Alfonso for a few days, Lucrezia discovers he is violent. For instance, when Alfonso learns that his head guardsman, Contrari, is having an affair with his sister, Elisabetta, he hangs him. Alfonso is inhumane because he hangs Contrari in front of his sister to discourage her from dating any other man in future.
The perceived death of the Duchess (Lucrezia)
Lucrezia knew her life was in danger throughout her marriage because Alfonso always schemed to kill her. When Alfonso and Lucrezia move to a remote castle, Lucrezia is convinced that her husband is planning to kill her. After they arrive at the remote castle, Lucrezia falls ill, and she suspects a possible poisoning by her husband. Fortunately, Lucrezia survives the poison and secretly elopes from the castle. Alfonzo and his aide mistakenly kill Emilia thinking that they have murdered Lucrezia. The death of Lucrezia is made public, and the cause of her death is published as an accident.
