What literary device is prominently used in "Antigone"?

Dramatic irony is a prominent literary device in "Antigone" because the audience is aware of the true circumstances and fates of the characters while those characters themselves are not. A significant example is Antigone's determination to bury her brother Polynices, defying King Creon's edict, which the audience knows will lead to tragic consequences. This knowledge creates tension and heightens the emotional impact of the characters' decisions.

The audience understands the gravity of Antigone’s actions and the impending doom she faces, which intensifies the tragic elements of the play. This layered understanding contributes to the overall tragedy, as viewers witness characters making choices that propel them toward their inevitable destinies, unaware of the full consequences they are invoking.

Although other literary devices like foreshadowing and symbolism are present in the play, the use of dramatic irony serves as a crucial mechanism that underlines the themes of fate, free will, and the tragic flaws of the characters, deepening the audience's engagement with the unfolding drama.