Irony of Age
The book is replete with ironical instances regarding the life span or age. Consuelo was an old widow who wanted to publish the biography of her husband because she does not want to lose their past. She was afraid of old age and she desired to remain young forever. She sees her youth in her niece, and she was so much obsessed with age that she did not want anyone to talk about time. She forbids Montero about wearing a watch. She says, “You will not look at your watch again, that useless object that falsely measures the time agreed to human vanity, those little hands that tediously mark the long hours invented to deceive the true time, the time that runs with insulting, deadly speed, that no watch can measure. One life, one century, fifty years: it will no longer be possible for you to imagine these lying actions, you will no longer be able to take that bodyless powder in your hands." The lack of windows in Consuelo’s house also demonstrates that she doesn’t want to build any connection with the outside world because it would remind her of her old age.
Irony of Job
The acceptance of job just because of the sight of an alluring lady is also ironical. Montero reads the job description and feels like the employer has given his character sketch. It seems that Montero is a perfect candidate for the job of a biographer. Consuelo wanted someone to complete the biography of her husband for publication and after knowing about the job, Montero feels eager to apply. Then he thinks that perhaps someone would have already got the job but despite of these thoughts, he couldn’t resist going to the given address. After looking at the mysterious house and the demand from the owner to stay with them until the completion of job, he hesitates. He thinks of refusing Consuelo but the sight of her niece, Aura compels him to accept the job. It is ironical that he accepts the job of a biographer for living with a girl instead of his passion.
Irony of Aura
Aura’s manners are also ironical because she mimics Consuela and she is also overpowered by the fears of her aunt. Whenever Consuela speaks, Aura moves her lips and she also seems to be obsessed with the idea of getting old. She starts loving Montero but she seems afraid that he would stop loving her after she would get old. She asks him, "Will you always love me?" Montero replies “I will love you forever." Then she reiterates "Always? Do you swear?” He swears and the she asks again, "Although old? Even if I lose my beauty? Even if I have white hair?" These questions demonstrate Aura’s fears like her aunt. She is also afraid of old age because considers old age as the end of all pleasures like her aunt.
