The Irony of Mrs. Spring Fragrance
Ironically, Mrs. Fragrance could learn the English language within five years and become an expert more than those who have lived there for decades. The first time Mrs. Fragrance comes to America, she does not even know one English word, but five years later, she is proficient. The author writes, “When Mrs. Fragrance first arrived in Seattle, she was unacquainted with even one word of the American language. Five years later, her husband, speaking of her, said, 'There are no more American words for her learning.' And everyone who knew Mrs. Spring Fragrance agreed with Mr. Spring.”
The Irony of Chin Yuen Parents
Chin Yuen's parents are Americanized in many aspects, including their lifestyle and way of dressing. Ironically, they still observe the ancient Chinese religious doctrines and practices. The reader finds it satirical that these parents live two different lives at the same time. For instance, they have stuck to their traditions of finding a suitor for their daughter. However, Laura has a secret American lover whom she loves very much. The contrast is that Laura's parents do not know about her secret lover, whom she plans to wed.
The irony of the secret women’s talk.
Mrs. Spring and Laura have a secretive woman talk knowing that there is no one listening to them. Laura feels sad because her parents force her to marry a man she does not love or know. Ironically, Mr. spring is back from work, and he is sitting on his veranda reading a magazine, but his ears are wide opening catching every bit of the conversation between Mrs. Spring and Laura. The author writes, “Mrs. Spring was unaware that Mr. spring, having returned from the city, tired with the day’s business, had thrown himself down on the bamboo settee on the veranda, and although his eyes were engaged in scanning the pages of the Chinese World, his ears could not help receiving the words which were borne to him through the open window.”
The Irony of the Two Letters
Mr. Spring receives two letters, one from his wife and another one from his cousin residing in San Francisco. The wife asks for permission to stay longer in San Francisco, and her reasons revolve around attending the few parties arranged for her honor. Ironically, his cousin's letter paints a different picture because he learns that his young wife moves around with the Government schoolteacher's son, who is young and handsome. The message of his cousin says, "Tsen Hing, the son of the Government schoolmaster, seems to be much in the company of your young wife. He is a handsome youth, and pardon me, my dear cousin, but if women are allowed to stray at will from under their husbands' mulberry roofs, what is to prevent them from becoming butterflies?"
The irony of the arranged weddings
The reader notes that ancient Chinese parents living in America still observe their religious culture of finding suitors for their children. Mr. Spring finds this culture funny and unrealistic because the parents arrange for their daughters or sons to marry people they have not met before. The satire is that you are expected to love someone before meeting him or her, which sounds sardonic. Mr. Spring asks the question, "After she marries you and knows you, will that woman love you?” The young Carman, who is fond of his American culture, answers that it is impossible for one to love someone before meeting her.
