A bright student
More often than not parents love talking about their children. To know that a child is doing well in school, that he/she is praised for cleverness and creativity means a lot. Aunt Paula is not an exception; she also likes talking about her sons. For instance, when Nelson’s teacher says that Nelson “would make a wonderful lawyer someday, he’s so good at arguing”, she is one cloud nine. The irony of the teacher’s praise is revealed in the middle of the story, when the whole family gathers together in order to support Nelson’s debating team. The boy proves that he is anything but good at debating, for he looks unsure of himself on the stage and his performance is not convincing at all. The teacher’s words could be a euphemism for Nelson’s improper behavior in the class.
An example
Mr. Bogart is the least popular teacher in Kimberley’s middle school. To say that feelings are mutual is underestimation. However, like many other teachers, he has his favorite student. This is Tyron Marshall. Something gives Mr. Bogart an idea that constant praising of Tyron might inspire other students to work harder too. The irony is that all of this makes Tylor “a complete outcast with the other kids”. This situation proves how incompetent Mr. Bogart really is.
Heaven
Annette is a loyal friend. If she only could, she would definitely turn the world upside down for Kimberley. When she finds out that Kimberley really has to work at factory after school, she wants to run to any representative of authority in order to put an end to injustice. Trying to calm her down, Kimberley says that “it’s not so bad”, “there is a soda machine”. The irony is that nobody ever uses that soda machine, for drinks are too expensive.
