The prison authorities
The prison authorities present the biggest paradox in the novel. When Carlotta is sentenced, she tries to plead with the prison authorities to put her in a female prison, but they refuse to listen to her. As a result, male inmates sexually abuse Carlotta. Making matters worse, instead of the prison warders protecting Carlotta from sexual predators, they also participate in raping her.
Carlotta’s imprisonment
Carlotta serves 22 years in prison for the accusations of robbery with violence. Ironically, Carlotta is a victim of circumstances because she only found herself at the crime scene when Kafefe shot a woman on the road. Unfortunately, the judge refused to pardon Carlotta and gave her a maximum sentence of 22 years. The judge also does not specify whether Carlotta should be put in a male or female prison.
The irony of Doodle
Doodle is a close male friend of Carlotta. Before the shooting incident takes place, Carlotta and Kafefe are heading to a birthday party at Doodles place. Ironically, after the shooting incident and Carlotta finds herself in prison, Doodle is nowhere to be seen. There is no mention of Doodle going to check on Carlotta in prison. Therefore, Doodle is not a true friend because he needs to pay more attention to Carlotta in her time of need.
