The government’s decision to euthanize non-military dogs
The government's decision to urge its citizens in 1944 to euthanize their dogs during the famine was satirical. According to the government, famine was bemoaning intense, and it had no option but to request people to kill their dogs humanely. The irony is that the government did nothing before the famine to help its citizens to take care of their dogs, but it thought it had the moral authority to command people to kill their dogs. In response, people decided not to kill their dogs but instead let them free into the wildness to survive on their own. Fortunately, thirteen Akitas made it through alive at the end of famine and war. Oji is one of the Akitas that survived the famine, and it was handed to Virginia as a gift.
The irony of life
While living in Japan, the Corbetts lived luxuriously, driving in limousines. When Corbetts arrived in luxurious hotels, they were welcomed with red carpets and ushered in by uniformed receptionists. At the dining table, the Corbetts were served as kings and queens. Paradoxically, things took a drastic turn when they returned to the USA. Corbett was transferred from one dusty rural army base to the other. For instance, the Corbetts moved from Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and other dusty army bases in rural regions. Therefore, life was not as luxurious for Virginia's mother in America as it was in Japan. In this case, there were no limousine rides, luxurious hotels, and maid attendants. Unfortunately, Virginia's mother took her frustrations out on young Virginia.
The paradox of Virginia’s mother
The primary paradox at the beginning of the book is that Virginia's mother drinks alcohol in the morning instead of breakfast, and the trend continues to get worse every day. The contradicting reality is that Virginia's mother has no specific reason compelling her to be an alcoholic because she largely does it for leisure. The mother does not comprehend that drinking alcohol in front of her young daughter is inappropriate. Instead of raising Virginia caringly and lovingly, the mother frowns at her, and most of the time, she pours her frustrations on her. Consequently, Virginia's mother does the contrary regarding responsible parenting.
