The irony of the white people
The author touches on the issue of racism against black Aboriginal people. The protagonist is an aboriginal living among the white society. Satirically, the white people are proud of the protagonist's work of art, excellent academic performance, and talent in athletics. The reader finds it satirical that the white people are ready to embrace the protagonist's capabilities but disregard his race.
The irony of the Aboriginal people
The author closely borrows the biblical analogy, saying, 'A servant is never accepted at home.' The protagonist is a successful young man who has proved his capabilities in white society. However, upon returning to the Aboriginal camp where he was raised, the local people refuse to accept him because they consider him white.
The irony of cultures
The ignorance of culture is an important theme in the book, but it is also sardonic. For example, the white people accept the protagonist while living with them but rejects him when he visits the Aboriginal camp where he was raised. Similarly, the local people are not ready to accept the protagonist upon returning because they say he has been westernized.
The satire of Davey
The author depicts Davey as a good boy who is morally upright despite being white because he can easily befriend the Aboriginal kids. Yet, ironically, Davey chooses to join other white boys who are bullies to discriminate against the Aboriginal kids.
Herbie’s death
Herbie dies as a result of mistreatment from a group of white children who bullied and mistreated him. Ironically, Davey was in this group, and he now regrets why he watched the group's evil actions against Herbie without doing anything. Davey was in a position to stop the white boys from mistreating Herbie, but he did nothing.
