Collectivity
While The Book of the City of Ladies strives to portray women as powerful, virtuous, and worthy members of society, there exists a meaningful irony in the fact that Christine is unable to build the City by herself. Instead, she requires the knowledge and instruction of Reason, Rectitude, and Justice. Far from suggesting that women are incapable of independent achievement, this irony actually highlights one of the book's central arguments: that women are a stronger force when they work together.
Christine's Discouragement
At the beginning of the book, Christine de Pizan reads from a text by Mathéolus in which he criticizes and devalues women. Christine's response, even for the fourteenth century, is bizarre: she becomes entirely defeated and noticeably distraught, believing all of Mathéolus's words to be true about her sex. This response is crucial for establishing the text's central goal – redeeming women in the eyes of society – and it operates as an intentional irony that highlights the dangers of internalized misogyny.
Men's Flaws
Throughout The Book of the City of Ladies, Christine and her companions create a vast catalogue of women who have shown superior intellectual, spiritual, and moral strength over the course of history. While their goal is to celebrate women and influence the way women are seen in society, these narratives also frequently highlight the many flaws of men. Again, this outcome is an intentionally ironic one, as de Pizan is able to criticize her male counterparts indirectly by simply retelling stories from history and mythology.
Christine's Final Warning
At the end of the book, Christine cautions the women of the City of Ladies not to scorn being subject to their husbands. This is an unexpected argument, given that the book has appeared to encourage women to pursue independence and autonomy. Most agree that this statement, while ironic within the context of the broader text, was actually a way for Christine to avoid criticism or punishment for her radical work.
