British Civility (Situational Irony)
While talking about racism in England versus America, Moses says that British people aren't less prejudiced, but their manners hide it better. He says that British people will always be extremely polite but don't actually want to help Black people. Their courtesy is revealed to be hollow. In this example of situational irony, Selvon portrays the false civility of white Londoners.
Big City Encourages Moses to Gamble (Situational Irony)
Big City is constantly telling Moses that he should bet on soccer games, as there is a sizable prize being offered. Moses repeatedly turns him down, telling him that it is a fool's errand. Big City never wins these games and never gets the profit he is looking for, but this does not deter him from repeating this advice to Moses. In this instance of situational irony, Big City encourages Moses to play a game that he himself has never managed to win.
Tanty Trusts a Reporter (Dramatic Irony)
When she arrives at Waterloo Station, Tanty speaks with a reporter and lets him take a picture of her. She trusts his intentions, as she assumes he means well. She even tells her family to crowd in for a group picture. Her goodwill is used against her when the picture runs in the paper the following day with a negative headline about Jamaican immigrants. In this example of dramatic irony, Tanty's act of generosity comes back to hurt her, as she misplaced her trust in the reporter and gives him the opportunity to use her image in an article criticizing immigrants like her.
Bart Needs Moses's Help (Situational Irony)
Bart is always concerned about people borrowing money from him. As a result he tries to conceal how much money he has at all times. Unfortunately, part of this also entails bothering Moses for meals, as he sometimes doesn't eat to keep up an appearance of poverty. This annoys Moses who doesn't feel like financially supporting someone who never lends people money. In this instance of dramatic irony, Bart asks for financial assistance because he is trying to act impoverished to avoid people asking him for money.
