The Irony of Anna’s father
Anna's mother died when she was only nine years old. However, Ann remembers that things took a drastic change after the death of her mother. Ann found it ironic that her father moved on so fast and forgot about her mother. For instance, Anna's father could dine and talk with his friends all matters, and he never mentioned his late wife. Anna found it satirical how his mother and father lived together because they rarely seemed like a couple. Anna remembers that his father rarely spoke of her late mother when she says, “Sir Charles came to see him often. And they would talk of India and Ireland, of the Queen and the Canal, of Egypt. They spoke of the rebellion, the bombardment, and the Trial. They never spoke of my mother."
The Irony of Edwards’ Return
Anna has been waiting and praying for her husband to return home safely. Ironically, when Edward returns, he is an entirely different person who does not appreciate his wife's efforts. Anna finds it sardonic that Edward is not himself. Anna says, "For seven months I followed, with Sir Charles, all news of the Soudan events. For seven months, I prayed for his safety and his return unharmed. And now he is back, I hardly know him. He is grown thin, and though his face is flushed with the sun of the South; it is as though a pallor lurks beneath.”
The irony of not Appreciating Help
When Edward returns from Soudan, there is every indication that he needs help. Edward's health is wanting because he looks unhappy and thin. His wife, Anna, is doing everything possible to cheer him up and help him get back to his initial status. Anna and Mr. Winthrop think that the best way to help Edward is to request him to get out and get fresh air. However, when Anna tries to suggest this to Edward is not appreciative because he dismisses her request immediately. When Anna tries to help Edward, he says, "Please, Anna. There is no need to be so concerned. It is just a matter of resting.” Edward is reluctant because he does not want to be helped get out of his depressed state of life.
The irony of a woman in ancient society
The reader finds it satirical that the ancient society believed in multiple childbearing in anticipation of death. Unlike the contemporary society in which family planning is a norm to curtail the possible number of children a woman can bear, the ancient woman gave birth to as many children as possible. The modern woman can give birth to one child and anticipate that he will live to maturity, unlike the ancient woman who anticipated that some of her children would die. The author writes, "A woman like her should bear children, so she can afford to have one or two dies."
The Irony of Isabela
Isabela is secretly in love with Rajiv, but she does not want to show it publicly. Rajiv Knows Isabela well, but he is also not aware that she is in love with him. When Rajiv is introduced to Deborah, she realizes that he is pretty gorgeous, and she is not afraid of saying it in front of Isabela. Deborah says, "He is pretty gorgeous." Isabela approves Deborah's statement, but she pretends that she does not know she is referring to Rajiv. The reader finds it ironic that a woman in love is shy of declaring her stand, which leaves other women to eye the same man she has been fantasizing about.
