The paradox of Kennedy
Kennedy is the dramatic character in the novel because she believes that she is white, supposedly giving her the privilege of discriminating against the blacks. Paradoxically, Kennedy has black roots because her mother is black, though white-skinned.
The irony of marriage
Marriage is an institution that should be guided by love and respect. Ironically, the marriage between Desiree and Sam is not based on love but convenience. The reader fails to comprehend why Desiree, in the first place, accepted to marry Sam if she did not love him. After fourteen years of an abusive relationship with Sam, Desiree runs away to meet her sister, Stella.
The satire of cousins
Jude and Kennedy are first cousins, and the reader expects them to love each other unconditionally and maintain a healthy relationship. Satirically, after a few days of friendship, Kennedy starts insulting Jude, and they fall apart. The reader realizes that Kennedy's racist behavior makes it difficult for her to befriend a dark-skinned person.
The irony of Early Jones
When Desiree runs away from her husband due to domestic violence, Sam hires Early Jones to track her down. Ironically, instead of Early revealing the news about Desiree whereabouts to Sam. He helps her run away and reunite with her sister Stella. Therefore, Early contradicts his assignment of reporting back to Sam about Desiree.
