Hunger
The creature in "Hunger" is described as a spirit of evil that the original People feared and revered. Despite being characterized as evil, the creature is driven solely by an insatiable hunger, which makes it less of a malevolent entity and more a victim of its endless appetite. The irony is in the contrast between the creature's perceived and actual nature. This subverts the typical horror trope of the malevolent monster by presenting the creature as pitiable in its hunger rather than purely evil. The creature's plight also mirrors the characters' struggles with desires and the consequences of the erasure of cultural stories and identities.
The Scariest Story Ever Award
The protagonist is one of the finalists for the Scariest Story Ever Award using stories he has appropriated from Native storytellers without their permission. He seeks another story to ensure his win, which highlights his exploitation of cultural heritage for personal gain. The irony lies in the protagonist's belief that he can win an award based on the cultural stories of others. This reflects the issue of cultural appropriation where individuals from dominant cultures exploit the traditions and narratives of marginalized groups for personal benefit. The protagonist's actions are particularly ironic because the very stories he seeks to exploit are meant to preserve the culture from which he originates.
Fake Smile
In "The Scientist's Horror Story," Dr. Anders Lilley smiles through various emotions including melancholy, anxiety, and fury despite his true feelings. This contrasts with the expected notion that smiles are usually associated with happiness and contentment. This irony highlights the dissonance between appearance and reality. Anders' perpetual smile masks his true emotions creating a façade that deceives those around him. This can be interpreted as a commentary on how the theme of fabrication encompasses the story that Anders decides to tell his audience.
Grandfather's Perception of Zombie Movies
The grandfather in “The Prepper” who is suffering from a terminal illness finds comfort in zombie movies because the characters in these movies suffer more than he does. This situation is ironic because, typically, horror and zombie movies are designed to invoke fear or disgust in the audience. However, for the grandfather, these movies provide solace. The irony lies in the reversal of expected emotional responses. His ability to laugh and find comfort in the suffering of fictional characters contrasts with his real-life suffering. It creates a poignant commentary on human resilience and the ways the characters cope with their pain.
The Fake Translator
In “Capgras,” the protagonist meets someone introduced as his translator only to find out that the person is a copyeditor pretending to be the translator. This scenario is ironic because the protagonist initially expresses gratitude and respect for the supposed translator's work. The irony intensifies with the revelation that the real translator is out of town and this encounter was orchestrated to placate the protagonist. The expected professional interaction turns into a farcical situation highlighting themes of authenticity and deception.
