Irony of Lassiter's Justice
The book starts off with Lassiter traveling from his far-away home in Texas to find the people who abducted and enslaved his sister years ago. He vows to avenge her and always has his guns by his side, ready to take out anyone in his journey for justice. However, when he finally learns that the Mormon elders stole his sister away, he does nothing about. Listening to Jane's advice, he instead fends for his own safety and Jane's safety by fleeing to a nearby valley, instead of avenging his sister.
Irony of Organized Religion
Organized religions are supposed to be a spiritual way for people to come together in harmony and have faith in something beyond them. However in the story, the Mormon church is the central antagonist. They abuse Millie Erne, harass Jane Withersteen, attack Bern Venters, and drive Lassiter away, as well as allowing the rustlers to roam freely.
Irony of Jane's Faith
Raised as a devout Mormon by her father in this lonely town in Utah, Jane has always maintained the principle that she will marry a Mormon like herself and stay true to her faith. Yet as the book progresses, she questions the church and its actions as well as falling in love with Lassiter, a non-Mormon, and running away to live a life with him.
Irony of the Mormon Elders
The Mormon elders are supposed to be the people that uphold their church and protect all the Mormons who live under them and their faith. The irony is that these elders are corrupt in greedy, and they let cattle thieves steal from and attack fellow Mormons in return for the cattle thieves acting as mercenaries for the elders.
Irony of Oldring's Character
Oldring is a lawless individual, someone who makes his living off of stealing cattle from others and selling it on open markets up north. He seems like a shady person and is not trusted around town. However, he does have some humanity and his kind side is shown in the way that he raised and trained Bess despite the fact that she was an orphaned girl. His character is more complex than what first meets the eye.
