Comic irony-Lady Whistledown’s commentary
Lady Whistledown’s voice in the novel is a voice of ironic comedy. She criticizes and comments on the English high society, with freedom that insults their self-importance and self-righteousness. Her gossip papers are used for comedic and satiric effect and create comic irony in the novel.
“A duel, a duel, a duel. Is there anything more exciting, more romantic…or more utterly moronic?”
Dramatic irony-the true reason behind Simon’s reluctance to marry Daphne
The novel reveals glimpses of Simon’s childhood, his struggle to speak and his father’s contempt towards him. All the while, Daphne and her brothers can’t understand why he doesn’t want to marry her. The readers are aware of Simon’s past and truth behind his choices, while the characters aren’t, which creates conflict and dramatic irony in the novel.
Situational irony-Daphne’s false alarm
Daphne unintentionally tricks Simon into moving forth with the act necessary for conception of a child, and it creates a strain between them. Simon leaves the estate, and Daphne returns to London to be close to her family while she is expecting the results. Believing that she is pregnant, she sends the news to Simon. When he arrives, it is revealed it was a false alarm, and that she is not pregnant. This is an unexpected turn of events and creates situational irony.
Irony of the marriage
Despite the attraction they feel towards each other, the marriage between Daphne and Simon is arranged out of duty and not love. He agrees to marry her because someone has seen them in the garden, to save her reputation. Their true love bond only develops after the fact.
