Wanting to help
Dr. Farmer is presented in the first chapter of the narrative as a man interested in helping both the Haitians and the American troops in Haiti. This is ironical considering the fact that Dr. Farmer made it clear that he was against the military actions took by the American troops. Despite this, he still tried to help them in the best way he could and he tried to offer them medical assistance.
Hated
During a flight to Miami, Dr. Farmer tells Kidder the reason why the American forces are hated in Haiti and why the population is unwilling to accept their help. Dr. Farmer tells Kidder that the Haitian people are mad because the American troops let free some people considered dangerous by the Haitian people. Thus, even though the Americans were putting their lives in danger by being in Haiti, their efforts were not appreciated for their efforts and were instead hated for their actions.
Give the man a beer
After diagnosing the homeless man Joe, Farmer gave him some medicine to treat his illness and also some advice regarding the lifestyle he must have if he wants to survive and get better. Among the advice he gave was the fact that he told the man to stay inside, drink beer and put on some weight, advice many considered as being ironic considering the fact that they came from a well-known and respected doctor.
Beautiful hospital
Kidder is shocked when he arrives in Haiti and when he sees just how poor the country is. He is greeted with the sight of dilapidated cars and houses on the side of the road and thus he starts to believe that the hospital where he will find Dr. Farmer will be in a similar state. When he does reach the hospital, he is shocked to see that the hospital is not only extremely tidy, but also extremely modern. This is ironic for Kidder who cannot understand how someone could build a beautiful hospital in a poor country.
In debt
Kidder notes ironically that even though Farmer is paid very well, he always seems to be in debt. Instead of living in a big house like many people would have chosen if they were to have the same money Farmer had, he lived in a relatively small house without any type of luxuries. Kidder reveals that the reason the doctor lived such a life was because he used his money to help people and he would rather treat his patients for free and go in debt than to refuse them service and put their lives in danger.
