Margarethe’s treatment of her children
It is situational irony that Margarethe treats her daughters, Iris and Ruth really badly. She is empathetic towards their plight. They were hungry after a long journey at sea and she demanded they walk fast even though she knew that they were very hungry and very tired. In addition to that, she verbally assaults them and points out their insecurities.
Unwelcoming Residents
It is ironical that the people of the town were very unwelcoming towards Margarethe, Iris and Ruth. This is because they were obviously very tired, very hungry and very confused. None of the townsfolk offered them food to eat yet they had it in plenty at the market place. They failed to give them directions to where they were going.
Margarethe’s Services
Margarethe offered to take nurse children in exchange of food and a place to stay. This is ironic because she was not a good parent towards her children. She often insulted them and put them in dangerous situations. It is situational irony to offer a service that she could not deliver on.
Master’s Mistreatment of Iris
It is a situational irony that Master who is a painter and who has offered to house Margarethe and her daughters, to treat Iris badly. He offered to paint Iris and he was constantly insulting her and pointing out her insecurities. Painters are expected to be loving and appreciative of their muses.
Clara’s Unkindness
Clara was looking out the window when she saw Ruth. She then a very unkind question where she inquired on whether Ruth was a changeling and if she was, then she should be abandoned. This was very ironic because Ruth was not causing any harm to Clara to warrant the unkindness that she received.
