Dick Intends to Free A Slave (Dramatic Irony)
In the second part of the story, Dick Owens resolves to bring one of his father's slaves North with him so that the slave can escape and become a free man. Over breakfast with his father, Dick invents a reason to leave the plantation, claiming that he would like to travel outside Kentucky to aid his poor health. His father immediately suggests he go to the North. In this instance of dramatic irony, the reader knows Dick's true motivation for heading North, while Colonel Owens remains oblivious. The result is added narrative tension as the reader waits to see if Dick will succeed in fooling his father.
Grandison Refuses to Escape (Situational Irony)
Having set out to free one of his father's slaves up north, Dick is met with Grandison's stubborn refusal to take the many opportunities Dick gives him or to be swayed by the abolitionists who try to convince him to stop being an unpaid servant. In this instance of situational irony, Grandison's undying loyalty presents a challenge to Dick, who had assumed that any slave, when given a chance to become a free man, would take it.
Grandison Makes An Actual Escape (Situational Irony)
At the end of the story, Grandison returns to Kentucky three weeks after he was kidnapped in Canada. He tells Colonel Owens a story of deprivation and brave escape, further endearing himself to the plantation master. However, Grandison disappears again—this time with his family—and Owens cannot catch up as the fugitives make their way to Canada. In this instance of situational irony, Grandison shows that he didn't return to the plantation out of loyalty to Colonel Owens. He returned out of loyalty to his family, who he wanted to liberate.
