“I’m Racist” - “Say Yes”
Ann’s husband states, "I went to school with blacks, I’ve worked with blacks, and we've always gotten along just fine. I don't need you coming along now and implying that I'm a racist." "I didn't imply anything," she said, "I just don't see what's wrong with a white person marrying a black person, that's all." Although he denies his racist attitude, Ann’s husband demos states unconscious prejudice upwards the black-skinned folks. If he were not racist, he would not oppose the idea of inter-racial marriages. His defensiveness regarding his prejudice demonstrates that he is in denial about his bias
“Give me a ring First” - “Soldier's Joy”
Hooper says, “Maybe I can swing by later tonight.” Mickey responds, “Better give me a ring first.” Mickey’s demand for a ring is ironic considering that she is married and Hooper is married too. If they were both unmarried her demand would have been logical. Mickey is obsessed with Hooper more than her husband; accordingly, their matrimony is not absolutely blissful.
The Irony of “Alexander the Great” - “Soldier's Joy”
Captain King narrates, “If I’d had one big weakness like that, maybe I wouldn’t have had all these little pissant weaknesses I ended up with. I know that sounds like bull-pucky, but look at Alexander the Great. Alexander the Great was a boozer. Did you know that?” Alexander the Great’s boozing is not in line with the greatness alluded to in his name. He had faults like any other ordinary human being. Although he is a legendary political leader, he fell for the temptation of alcoholism. His boozing underlines the imperfections which are inherent among all humanity no matter their greatness in society.
