Irony of Perception
Clare has been told all her life (especially by her father) that the British colonization of the Caribbean was a beneficial act for all involved. When she goes to stay in Jamaica, however, she realizes that perception dramatically alters the appearance of truth; the residents there, including her grandmother, have very different opinions, being full of stories that tell of the detrimental effects of the invaders on their oppressed society.
Irony of Clare
Clare is a young girl of mixed race, but she has grown up in a comfortable, middle-class lifestyle. Her heritage (especially on her mother's side) has a history of oppression, but Clare doesn't experience any of this in her own life. In that sense, she is estranged even from her own heritage.
Irony of Clare's Mother
Clare's mother has never talked with her about the oppression her culture has received over the course of history. This reticence was intended to spare Clare the burden of unpleasant knowledge of their victimization, but it had the unintentional and ironic effect of keeping Clare from fully grasping her own heritage. Her mother's lack of communication made the realization exponentially more hard-hitting, as she only finds out when she is older.
Irony of Zoe
Zoe is Clare's best friend, but her influence is far from uplifting; she comes across as cynical and pessimistic. Despite her attending the same school as Clare, her situation is a bit more desperate, and this unfortunate circumstance has hardened her outlook on life.
Irony of Clare's Family
Clare's family, the Savages, were once rich and powerful people. They suffered an unfortunate turn for the worse, however, and they descended into the lower classes of society. Despite their mediocre status, the Savages actually have a rich family history – Clare and her father even explore a large building that once belonged to them.
Irony of Cultural Preservation
The irony of colonialism's influence on cultural customs is depicted in the novel. These very African and indigenous traditions endure and change subtly even as colonial powers work to eradicate or destroy them. This contradiction is embodied in the Abeng horn, a symbol of resistance that stands for both the repression of cultural heritage and its unwavering survival.
