Dramatic irony - Peter’s journey to retrieve Pax
Peter immediately regrets leaving Pax in a forest and sets off on a long journey to retrieve him. Meanwhile, Pax is waiting for him at the same spot he left him before he meets other foxes of the forest. Just like Peter, Pax decides to go back to his boy and heads south. While the reader is aware of their respective journeys leading up to the climactic reunion, Pax and Peter are not aware of each other’s intentions, and it creates a dramatic irony in the novel.
Situational irony - Peter’s father at the war camp
Heading south towards his home, Pax discovers a war camp, and there, unexpectedly, Peter’s father. It is revealed, towards the end, just how cruel Peter’s father was in his intent to separate the boy and his fox. He knew that the war was heading to the same spot where they left Pax, and he still forced Peter to leave Pax there. This revelation that Peter’s father is at the war camp is an unexpected turn and creates situational irony.
Situational irony - the ending
The emotional reunion of Peter and Pax at the end is both happy and sad. Both the boy and the fox changed. Peter grew stronger and more confident, while Pax learned more about being a fox. Peter realizes that Pax doesn’t belong with him, but with his two foxes he fought to protect against the coyotes, so he throws the toy soldier once again. This renewed separation right after their reunion is an unexpected turn at the end of the novel and creates situational irony.
The irony behind the reason Pax was left behind
After a conversation with Vola, Peter realizes the cruel irony of leaving Pax behind in that forest.
“Now he’s all alone because of a war. I let him go because of a war. War, not peace. What’s that called? Irony? Whatever, now it’s a terrible name. He’ll probably die because of a war.”
The conversation also included them talking about Pax’s name and how it means peace. Peter is filled with regret for leaving Pax behind, and it becomes more and more clear that it was his father and the fear he has of him that led him to make that regretful choice.
