“Lankton’s desire to provide for a boy who could do him no pecuniary good” - “The Child’s Champion”
Whitman observes, "In the course of the day Ellis was called upon by young Lankton, and never perhaps in his life was the farmer more puzzled than at the young man’s proposals - his desire to provide for a boy who could do him no pecuniary good - and his willingness to disburse money for that purpose.” Ellis’ puzzlement is based on his outlook on Charles whose worth is ascribed to the free labour he provides. Lankton’s readiness to cater for the boy is ironic considering he would not reap any monetary benefits from it. Lankton’s ironic offer is ascribed to his unconscious aim for love and gratification which he attaches to Charles.
The Irony of ‘Nancy Jackson seeking refuge in Thomas Furlong’s house’ - “How Nancy Jackson Married Kate Wilson”
Nancy Jackson asserts, “If I hang, I hang; but I want my chance—I don’t want to be lynched. That is why I took the risk and came here, where they’ll never look for me. You hate me, and you hate all of my name, Thomas Furlong, but a man that’s a man couldn’t turn a dog out that fled to him for help when it was hunted for its life—hide me three day still the lynching fever’s over, and I’ll go and stand my trial!’’ Jackson is conscious that Furlong hates her, yet she seeks his protection. Her action is hazardous for she is literally delivering her life to her enemy.
The irony of "Kate and Robert's" Matrimony - “How Nancy Jackson Married Kate Wilson”
Robert asserts, “You commanded, mother; I have obeyed-because I could not help myself. I have saved your daughter’s good name from gossip and wreck- let the sacrifice stop there. I will never live with her- not even so much as a single day.” The ironic nuptials are not founded on love; Kate’s parents coerce Robert to marry her so that she can have a family. Here, matrimony is founded on convenience. It is not anticipated to be ordinary in view on Robert’s assertions about his intentions not to live with his wife. Moreover, the marriage is uncanny because Kate’s parents are not aware that Robert is a female who is disguised as a male.
