The Irony of a son (“Face”)
The narrator’s mother expected her husband to be happy when the narrator was born because “she had borne him a son, which was, presumably, what all men wanted.” However, the narrator concludes that, “my presence, my existence, caused a monstrous rift between my parents.” The ironic turn of events between the couple is attributed to the birthmark. Perhaps, the situation would have been different if the narrator’s face was without any imperfection.
Irony of the Narrator’s father’s last days (“Face”)
The narrator explains, “He had a stroke while still in his fifties, and died after several months in bed. And it was no surprise, either, that my mother nursed him through that time, kept him at home, where, instead of becoming tender and appreciative, he called her foul names, the syllables thickened by his misfortune but always decipherable to her, and to him, it seemed, quite gratifying.” Ordinarily, the narrator’s father would have been appreciative for the wife’s care instead of offending her. The behaviour characterizes the narrator’s father as a sadist who projects unnecessary antagonism to his family.
The Irony of the Police Officers (“Wild Swans”)
When Rose asserts that she is not alarmed about anything as police would be there to help her, Flo tells her, “They’d be the first ones to diddle you. ”Flo’s depiction of the police officers is ironic because generally police officers are expected to come to the aid of civilians who are stranded. The irony demonstrates that even police officers cannot be trustworthy.
The Irony of the White Slavers (“Wild Swans”)
The white Slavers behave like considerate people before capturing their target. However, Flo cautions Rose that once the White Slaver’s mission is accomplished, “they kept you a prisoner in the White Slave place – to which you had been transported drugged and bounded so you wouldn’t even know where you were." The irony of the White Slaver’s behavior demonstrates that not all people who show kind-heartedness may be having virtuous intentions. Kindness can be used to camouflage wickedness.
