The irony of Beothuk (Red Indians)
The Beothuk are the original inhabitants of Newfoundland. Ironically, these original inhabitants are getting extinct very first, and this is a worrying trend. The white settlers are taking advantage of the locals' ignorance to rule over them and take their land. The reader finds it ironic that the white settlers are on a mission to exploit the locals and take their land and other natural resources.
The irony of Captain Buchan’s arrival in Newfoundland
Captain Buchan travels to Newfoundland in the year 1810 to establish a relationship with the natives to get access to resources. Buchan is optimistic that the Peytons (white settlers) will welcome him and form a positive alliance with them. Satirically, when Buchan arrives in Newfoundland, he does not receive a warm welcome from his fellow whites. Instead, Buchan gets a discouraging welcome, and he regrets his decision to visit that new place.
John Peyton Junior’s conscience
Peyton Jr. is aware that his father is an oppressive man who mistreats the native Indians for no good reason but for his selfish gain. Ironically, instead of Peyton Jr. Standing firm to correct his father, he decides to do whatever pleases him. The reader expects Peyton Jr. to stand his ground and do what his heart tells him to do.
The irony of fear
Cassie is depicted as an independent and reliable woman who is always ready to do what is. Cassie knows that Peyton Jr. has a mission of reliving the oppression of the locals by his father. Cassie is willing to support Peyton Jr. to achieve his goal, but ironically, she is scared of her employer. The reader finds it sarcastic that fear can make an individual remain silent when fellow human beings are oppressed.
The irony of the white settlers
The European settlers started moving to Newfoundland in the 19th century as expeditors. Shortly after their arrival, they realized that there was vast fertile land that was underutilized. Slowly, the white settlers started settling and exerting their dominance over the locals. Ironically, the white settlers disrespected locals when they invaded the holy lands and destroyed the fishing activities that the locals relied on for their livelihoods.
