Question

The dentist seemed more conscientious: he asked me to open my mouth wide. In fact, he was not looking for decay but for gold teeth. What literary device is used in this passage?

1) Imagery
2) Foreshadowing
3) Irony
4) Symbolism

Answer 1

The literary device used in the passage is irony.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the passage, the literary device used is irony.

The dentist asks the narrator to open their mouth wide, which is a common instruction during a dental exam to inspect for decay. However, the dentist is not actually searching for decay but for gold teeth. This ironic situation creates a contrast between the expectation and the reality of the dentist's intentions.

This use of irony adds a layer of humor and a sense of deception to the passage, making it more engaging for the readers.