The irony of Pastor Joel
Pastor Joel is a man of God, and readers expect him to uphold a higher level of integrity. The congregants in the church view Pastor Joel as their spiritual father. When Machado attends Pastor Joel's church at sixteen, she trusts him and shares her life experiences. Ironically, Pastor Joel is a sexual predator who takes advantage of innocent girls to abuse them sexually. Pastor Joel assures Machado of her safety while around him. Machado later realizes that Pastor Joel wants to abuse her sexually, which contradicts her belief that he is respectable.
The Irony of the Dream House Woman
The Dream House woman is depicted as a well-established and mature person. When Machado first interacts with the Dream House woman, she believes she is a great partner. Ironically, Machado is shocked to discover that the Dream House woman is abusive and oppressive. The Dream House woman disrespects Machado and treats her as a lesser individual in their relationship.
The irony of the marriage between Val and Machado
Val and Machado are initially married to the Dream House woman in a polygamous union. Val and Machado do not expect they will be a couple in the future. Machado breaks up with the Dream House woman to live independently. After a few years, Val also breaks up with the Dream House woman. In the unexpected meeting, Val and Machado reunite and share their experiences. The two women realize they have much in common and decide to marry each other and live happily afterwards.
