Irony of Horses and cows living a more decent barn than the family’s house- “The Revolt of "Mother"
Freeman writes, “The house, standing at right angles with the great barn and a long reach of sheds and out-buildings, was infinitesimal compared with them. It was scarcely as commodious for people as the little boxes under the barn eaves were for doves.” Freeman’s usage of the adjectives great ( to portray the barn) and infinitesimal ( to typify the family’s house) results in irony for the reason that the house should have been more appealing than the barn seeing that it houses humans. Likening the house to ‘little boxes’ accentuates its improperness.
The Irony of Sammy’s Awareness of his father’s plans- “The Revolt of "Mother"
Sammy is acquainted with information, three months beforehand, that her father will make a barn and acquire extra cows. However, his mother is oblivious of the plans. Ordinarily, Mother would have been well-versed before her son. The irony exhibits the power dynamic s in the family. Father does not look her Sarah as an equal in the marriage as she is a woman. However, Father notifies his son because he regards him to be as dominant as him since he is male.
The Irony of father’s preference- “The Revolt of "Mother"
Father has a greater preference for his animals than his family. Mother tells father, “You've built sheds, an' cow-houses an' one new barn, an' now you're goin' to build another. Father, I want to know if you think it's right. You're lodgin' your dumb beasts better than you are your own flesh an' blood. I want to know if you think it's right." Clearly, father is more involved in the well-being of his animals than that of his family. Father should have given precedence to his family more than the animals for the reason that animals can be substituted easily but the family cannot.
The Irony of Louisa's Consternation- “The New England Nun”
Freeman elucidates, “Louisa's first emotion when Joe Dagget came home (he had not apprised her of his coming) was consternation, al though she would not admit it to herself, and he never dreamed of it. Fifteen years ago she had been in love with him at least she considered herself to be.” Ordinarily, Louisa would have been over thrilled by her lover’s return. Her anxiety validates that she has qualms about the willingness that she exhibited, fifteen years prior, to join Joe in matrimony. Love would have activated ecstasy instead of disquiet.
