DANFORTH: Look at me! To your own knowledge, has John Proctor ever committed the crime of lechery? Answer my question! Is your husband a lecher!
ELIZABETH: No, sir.
– Arthur Miller
The Crucible, Act 3. When Danforth asks Elizabeth Proctor about her husband’s adultery, she lies to the court in order to protect John and his reputation. She denies that he is a lecher, not knowing that he has already confessed to being one. The audience is aware of John’s confession, making this an example of dramatic irony.