The irony of the jury of 500 Athenians
The reader finds it satirical that a person convicted of impiety and corruption case is presented before 500 judges. Socrates is one person who is not armed or dangerous to society because the people accusing him are not able to substantiate their claims using facts. Instead, the jury and the people accusing Plato have a mission of ensuring that he is put in jail no matter the case's outcome.
The irony of the accusations against Socrates
The first charge against Socrates is corrupting the Athenian youth. According to the accusers, Socrates is an evil-doer, and he searches into things in both earth and heaven. The irony of this accusation is that Plato searchers into things in heaven. Readers know that heaven is sealed and is for the chosen holy people who are few in society. If an individual is searching for a thing in heaven, then that person is holy and should never be presented before a judge on earth.
The Irony of Meletus
Paradoxically, Meletus is the lead enemy and accuser of Socrates in court, but it turns out that he is the worst evil-doer in society. Meletus intend to accuse Socrates of corruption and sin so that he can cover up his malevolence deeds. However, in his defense, Socrates is categorical in elaborating the charge against him, and he vividly points out why Meletus wants him to be convicted. According to Socrates, Meletus is a pretender and an evil man who schemes to use innocent souls to cover his tracks.
The irony of corruption
The reader comprehends that corruption is evil and should be regarded from both sides of the coin. For instance, the reader finds it sarcastic that Socrates is presented to judges as the corrupted, but the corrupted individual is nowhere to be seen. The corrupter and the person receiving the bride are both criminals who need to be judged and jailed. However, the enemies of Socrates are not able to produce the Athenian youth who is corrupted. Consequently, the entire case against Socrates is sarcastic because there is no concrete evidence to convict him.
The irony of the wisest man
Socrates knows that he is innocent, but he is ignorant. Ironically, the prophetess of Delphi calls him the wisest man on earth. It is also ironic that Socrates is ready to refute the claims of him being wise before God. Throughout the book, the reader notices that Socrates is a reputable man who deserves the title 'Wise man,' but he is not ready to accept it.
