The irony of modernity
The book 'Shadowboxing' is set in Australia in the early 1960s, when the world was experiencing modernity. The people expected to see a positive change in society. Ironically, modernity came with death and decay, as illustrated by the author. For instance, Fitzroy city began having more alcoholics and criminals, which made the city unsafe. Similarly, drug abuse became the norm which resulted in the countless loss of lives.
The satire of superiority
Before the 1960s, the author indicates that fathers were responsible because they took care of their wives and children. Similarly, the author indicates that men protected their daughters and reminded them of their roles in society. Ironically, men changed starting when cities started becoming populous. Men started feeling that they are superior beings. Ironically, instead of using their superiority to better society, men started using drugs and alcohol. As a result, men became violent, drug abusers, alcoholics, and criminals. Women and children like Michael suffered the most.
The irony of the contemporary cities
The author explains how the ancient cities were heaven for families. For instance, families cohabited peacefully which each other. The cities were safe and clean for children and women. Ironically, contemporary cities are becoming a nightmare for children and women because of violence. Most youths in modern cities are drug addicts, criminals, and alcoholics.
Suffering for the sake of children
Michael’s mother is a perfect example of true motherhood. Despite being subjected to suffering by her abusive husband, she is not ready to abandon her child. However, the reader finds it satirical why the mother is not leaving with her son to start a new life away from the alcoholic husband. According to the reader's assumption, mothers should not suffer in silence. There is no place showing that Michael's mother tried to seek help throughout the book, but she decided to persevere the suffering.
New things are eventually outrunning the old things.
Who does not want new things in life? Of course, every person wants to change and experience the magnificence of changing technology and other things. The residents of Melbourne were excited about the new things, such as technology, in the 1960s. Ironically, the new things outrun the old things, which made the city much insecure.
