The Semplica Girls
In "The Semplica Girl Diaries," the nameless protagonist wins a large sum of money on a Scratch-Off lottery ticket. He uses that money to purchase Semplica Girls to place on his lawn. Semplica Girls are women from impoverished countries who are imported to America to act as decorative lawn furniture. The practice is morally dubious, and could be compared to a form of slavery. It is ironic because while the protagonist of the story feels a sense of freedom from his lottery winning, he uses the winnings to impede the freedom of the Semplica Girls.
The Rescue in the Tenth of December
The titular story of the collection follows a man, again unnamed, who attempts to commit suicide by staying outside in freezing conditions. During his attempt, he witnesses a young boy, Robin, fall through a crack in a frozen lake. The protagonist then rescues Robin by retrieving him from the ice and wrapping him up in his dry clothes. It is ironic because while the protagonist had the intention of ending his life, he actually saves a life.
The Hatred of Larry Donfrey
In "Al Roosten," the protagonist despises his competitor, a successful real estate agent named Larry Donfrey. After they both participate in a charity auction, Al Roosten kicks Larry's car keys underneath the bleachers of the auditorium. Feeling guilty later, Al imagines a scenario in which him and Larry grow to become best friends. It is ironic because although Al hates Larry, and has done him wrong, he fantasizes about a friendship between them.
The Attack in "Victory Lap"
In "Victory Lap," Alison is nearly kidnapped. Her neighbor and old friend, Kyle, witnesses the kidnapping. He intervenes and attacks the kidnapper, freeing Alison. In the process, however, Kyle crushes the skull of the kidnapper with a large stone. After the event, Alison is traumatized. However, she is not traumatized by the fact that she was almost kidnapped, but rather by the image of Kyle crushing the kidnapper's skull with the stone. It ironic because although Kyle saves Alison, he is treated as the villain and as the one who acted unjustly.
Sex as Punishment
In "Escape from Spiderhead," prisoners are used in experiments with drugs that greatly alter their moods and experiences. In one such experiment, Jeff is introduced to a female character, Rachel, and they are both given drugs that will make them fall in love. Shortly after, they have sex several times. After the drugs wear off, the two are no longer in love and the experiment is repeated with Jeff and another woman, Heather. The same process happens and they also have sex. Jeff notes that it is ironic that he is being punished for being a criminal with what is a generally pleasurable experience, having sex.
