Irony of Perception
The irony of Moon's resourcefulness being underestimated by others comes in the disparity between their assumptions based on his age and looks and his actual capabilities. People frequently consider Moon, a little child who has grown up in the bush as naïve, weak, and ignorant of modern life. However, the fact is distant from their assumptions. Moon's upbringing has polished his survival abilities, making him extremely resourceful, flexible, and self-sufficient. Those who underestimate him are astounded by his abilities to overcome obstacles, get food, and utilize natural resources. The irony is that, although others criticize Moon based on their preconceived assumptions, he repeatedly disproves them by demonstrating his outstanding survival instincts and problem-solving ability. This irony serves as a commentary on the dangers of making assumptions based on superficial judgments.
The Irony of the language used
The discrepancy between Moon's clear, no-nonsense way of speaking and the more traditional, overblown vocabulary employed by individuals around him demonstrates the verbal irony in his language compared to others. While most individuals communicate with courteous pleasantries, elaborate expressions, and flowery words, Moon speaks with a simplicity and directness that borders on sarcasm. His frank statements and blunt insights frequently serve as a funny satire on the follies of cultural conventions and expectations. Moon's lack of pretense results in ironic moments where his blunt comments pierce through the politeness facade, revealing the overblown nature of others' speech.
The Irony of Moon Living in the Children’s Home
The irony of Moon finding the children's home unpleasant stems from the disparity between the goal of such institutions and Moon's upbringing in the wilderness. Moon who has lived his entire existence in the freedom of nature, relying on his survival abilities and self-sufficiency now finds himself restricted within the walls of the children's home. While the children's home is designed to provide a safe and caring environment for children, Moon views it as oppressive owing to its organized routines, regulations, and constraints. The irony derives from the fact that Moon who has thrived in the wild and faced countless hardships on his own now feels trapped by the well-intentioned but restrictive framework put on him in the children's home.
The irony of conforming to societal norms
The absurdity of expecting Moon to adapt to cultural expectations stems from the disparity between his unorthodox background and societal conventions. People strive to shape Moon into their notion of what a young boy should be throughout the novel, expecting he will comply with their expectations. Moon, on the other hand, continuously defies and subverts such preconceptions. His upbringing in the forest fostered in him a spirit of independence, self-sufficiency, and a contempt for social conventions. The irony stems from the fact that, despite persistent pressure and attempts to shape him, Moon remains true to himself and refuses to adapt to other people's expectations.
