Mrs. Jones Takes Roger Captive (Situational Irony)
Although Roger is a teenage boy, Mrs. Jones easily overpowers him, lifting him by the front of his shirt after he falls down, thrown off balance by the weight of her purse. In this instance of situational irony, the would-be theft turns into a hostage situation, with Mrs. Jones bringing Roger to her home against his will.
Mrs. Jones Admits She Has Also Done Things She is Ashamed Of (Situational Irony)
After bringing Roger to her home to make him wash his face, Mrs. Jones questions him about why he needed to steal from her, assuming he must have been desperately poor. Her behavior confuses Roger, as he assumes she would want to punish him. But in an instance of situational irony, Mrs. Jones finds his poverty and desperation relatable, admitting that she has also done things in her life that she would rather not tell him, or God. Because of this similarity, Mrs. Jones does not seek to punish Roger, for whom she has empathy.
Mrs. Jones Gives Roger Money (Situational Irony)
After serving him dinner and telling him about her life, Mrs. Jones gives Roger ten dollars before sending him away. In this instance of situational irony, the woman he tried to rob gives him the ten dollars he wants in order to buy blue suede shoes. This instance of irony is significant because it illustrates the major theme of generosity: rather than punish Roger for his attempted crime, Mrs. Jones takes pity on his desperation and shows him kindness and understanding.
