Irony of justice
Celia is a slave of Robert Newsome and kills him in self-defense. Even though Celia was not the guilty one in this situation, she is sentenced to death. This event shows the injustices of laws at the time.
Irony of laws
Some laws were passed and seemed as though they would help the movement to abolish slavery. However, these laws actually hindered progression. One example is the Missouri Compromise. This law caused increased tension between supporters and opponents of slavery.
Irony in the courtroom
Mclaurin argues that certain laws were "used to create the illusion that slaves possessed certain human rights." Celia's trial was outwardly a fair trial, in the sense that it followed legal procedure. However, in reality, Celia did not have a fair trial. For example, Celia is given a lawyer, but this lawyer does not have to defend her properly.
