1975 (Dramatic Irony)
For readers familiar with the history of the Vietnam War and the fact that Saigon fell to the North in 1975, the novel's opening presents an instance of dramatic irony. While Hà and her family know the war is drawing closer to home, they are unaware that the North will ultimately be successful in its campaign. The dramatic irony is that informed readers know that the characters' lives truly will turn inside out.
The Host's Wife (Situational Irony)
After being sponsored to come to Alabama with their cowboy host, Hà and her family can't believe how spacious and beautiful the man's house is. He tells them to make themselves at home, but as they unpack, the host's wife appears and looks upon them in disapproval. In this instance of situational irony, it is clear that, contrary to the family's expectations, the host did not inform his wife that he was bringing home a family of Vietnamese refugees.
A Poet Not a Lawyer (Dramatic Irony)
When her children are discussing their preferred professions, Hà's mother says she always wanted a doctor, an engineer, a poet, and a lawyer. She suggests Hà's argumentative nature would make her a good lawyer, to which Hà protests. The scene presents an instance of dramatic irony, as the reader knows that Hà will grow up to be a poet and compose Inside Out & Back Again, a novel in verse.
Failed Ambush (Situational Irony)
Once Hà gets word that Pink Boy's cousin is going to beat her up after school, she devises an escape plan. However, when the time comes she finds that her brother Quang is not waiting as expected. Instead, Pink Boy is there. Expectations are undermined once again when Vū arrives on his motorcycle.
