Triton’s hatred for Joseph (Situational Irony)
When Triton begins working in the Salgado household, he immediately develops an intense hatred for Joseph, the head servant. Though initially, Joseph is simply rude to Triton, Triton often fantasizes about Joseph's misfortune, finding pleasure in imagining Joseph's corpse. However, after Joseph assaults Triton and is then dismissed, Triton begins to empathize with Joseph, realizing the head servant's cruelty and poor attitude result from his frustration over classist injustice. Triton's shift in perspective is ironic because Triton becomes sympathetic only after Joseph victimizes him with a horrible act of violence.
Mister Salgado's Dependence on Triton (Situational Irony)
In Triton's early days of working for Mister Salgado, Triton feels dependent on Mister Salgado and guilty for taking anything for himself. Ironically, Mister Salgado is entirely reliant on Triton, who is decades younger and of a lower social class. Though Triton manages all of Mister Salgado's physical and emotional needs, Triton still looks up to Mister Salgado as an example of intelligence and competence.
Mister Salgado’s Passion for the Reef (Situational Irony)
Mister Salagdo is passionate about conserving the coral reef along the southern Sri Lankan coast. He sets up an elaborate research facility, employs researchers, and constantly talks about the importance of protecting marine life. However, as soon as he becomes acquainted with Nilli, Mister Salgado becomes distracted and begins to ignore his work, refusing to publish his papers, even at Nili's urging. He also refuses opportunities to actively protect the reefs, not wanting to feel "obliged to anyone." Ironically, Mister Salgado understands precisely how important it is to protect the reefs, and has the knowledge and power to do so, yet he refuses.
Wijetunga's Argument (Situational Irony)
Mister Salgado's research assistant, Wijetunga, argues that the wealthy in Sri Lanka will turn people like Triton "into servants" and "sell [their] children." He makes this point seemingly unaware that Triton was sold as a servant and argues "a child must have education" to have any chance at success. Though Wijetunga touches on real injustices, ironically, Triton's employment in Mister Salgado's household, which prevented him from being educated, gave Triton a chance to develop the skills necessary to open his own restaurant.
