Life is too boring
The first chapter in the novel presents the life the man living in Lonesome Dove have. In comparison with the life their parents used to have, the men live a boring life, waiting for something to happen. Some even go as far as to look for trouble themselves, an idea that is presenting as being ironic especially considering how the sheriffs in the past tried to get rid of all the dangers in the area.
Don't need your money
In the little town where the action takes place there is a prostitute named Lorena. One of the men in the story, named Gus, goes to her one day and wants to pay her ten dollars for her services. However, instead of wanting sexual favors, Gus wants to hear Lorena’s life story, something she refuses to tell him. This is ironic considering how Lorena does not hesitate to sell her body but yet she refuses to sell her story.
Not the hero
When Jake first appears, the impression left if that he is a man respected by the community. The narrator reveals that Jake was a former ranger, so a person who obeyed the law and who made sure that other people obeyed the law as well. Because of this, it is ironic to see that Jack was himself on the run, after he killed a man.
Too drunk
Dish was hired by Call to go and steal horses whenever he may need them. This implied that Dish was supposed to be always prepared to be sent wherever his employer needed him. because of this, it is ironic to see how Dish, who did not had the habit of drinking in excess, went out and drunk himself just right before Call needed him for a job.
Change of plans
When Call’s group stumbled upon the two Irishmen and their camp, his first intention was to rob them and to take everything from them. After finding out about their situation however, he decided to help them and to take them back to a camp where they would be safe. This is ironic considering how Call’s first instinct was to hurt them.
