Robert Pires' Zebras (Situational Irony)
When Robert Pires and his wife are arrested for animal cruelty, Boo writes, "The forces of justice had finally come to Annawadi. That the beneficiaries were horses was a source of bemusement to Sunil and the road boys" (236). It is ironic that a group of activists would focus on horses with sores and ignore the fact that thousands of human beings are suffering in Annawadi every day, unable to feed themselves and their families.
Beautiful Forevers (Situational and Dramatic Irony)
The "Beautiful Forevers" sign that blocks Annawadi from tourists arriving and departing from the airport contains elements of situational and dramatic irony. The situational irony is that this sign so perfectly contradicts what lies beyond it. The advertisement for Italianate tiles, an expensive, somewhat frivolous addition to one's home, requiring disposable income and suggesting comfort, is highly at odds with the living conditions just beyond the wall. The dramatic irony is that the tourists arriving and departing have absolutely no idea that Annawadi exists, and instead they are left with the impression of a burgeoning India that is effectively tackling their poverty crisis.
Escaping Poverty with Corruption (Situational Irony)
Boo writes, "As every slumdweller knew, there were three main ways out of poverty: finding an entrepreneurial niche, as the Husains had found in garbage; politics and corruption, in which Asha placed her hopes; and education" (62). The irony of the notion of corruption as a way to escape poverty is that, as demonstrated by the book, corruption only begets more poverty. While it may allow a small number of individuals to prosper, corrution is the reason why so many people in India still suffer in poverty. The institutions built to help them actually only exist to help those in power.
Cynthia's Testimony (Situational Irony)
When Fatima's best friend Cynthia testifies against Karam and Kehkashan, she expects to be the linchpin in their conviction, but instead, due to a disorganized and expedited trial process, the judge translates the official transcript of her testimony in a way that portrays her as admitting to lying on the record. Cynthia leaves the courthouse infuriated, and her testimony actually served the Husains rather than hurt them.
