The Paradox of John
John Hamnet’s grandfather is a paradoxical character throughout the text. During his early days, John was one of the most respected people in society, and he built his reputation over the years. John was among the men who put on the scarlet robe to symbolize respect in society. Ironically, John lost his reputation when he did an illegal business that tainted his image. Therefore, John regretted losing his reputation for the rest of his life.
The irony of marriage
Marriage is normally a union between two people willing to start a family. However, it becomes paradoxical when third parties interfere by putting obstacles that make it difficult for two people to marry. When Agnes met her lover, the Latin tutor, they developed a romantic relationship. Agnes comes from a rich family, and her stepmother refuses to approve of her love for the Latin tutor. Despite her grandmother's refusal, Agnes gets pregnant with the Latin tutor, and they force their marriage. Consequently, the irony of Agnes' marriage is that she did not receive the blessings of her stepmother.
The satire of death
Death remains a mystery throughout humanity, but its occurrence in Hamnet’s family is entirely satirical. When the reader goes through the text, the person in danger of dying is Judith, suffering from bubonic plague. Satirically, the family loses Hamnet in a tragic death which contradicts the expectation of many in the family. The death of Hamnet leaves his mother grieving for the rest of her life.
