Millie’s earlier expectations about Manhattan City
The first Act commences by introducing Millie as a young woman in her early twenties determined to get a good and fashionable life in the most expansive city. Ironically, as Millie sets out on her journey and arrives in the city, she is treated with a rude shock when all her possessions are mugged, and she remains with almost nothing. Consequently, Millie learns that the city is not for everyone, and things can drastically turn out to be the absolute opposite of reality and expectations.
The satire of drugging Dorothy
Mrs. Meer is a notorious slave trader and businesswoman who largely involves herself in drugging people. Mrs. Meer gives Ching, a Chinese immigrant, the task of drugging Dorothy. Ironically, when Ching sees Dorothy, he instantly falls in love with her and decides not to drug her.
A jail cell
While Millie and other girls are having a good time in an entertainment joint, Jimmy joins them. Unfortunately, the club is raided by the police, and Millie and Jimmy are arrested. Ironically, the author hints that Millie and Jimmy got to know each other better in a jail cell, and they last fall in love! The reader finds this satirical because it is impossible to jail a man and a woman in the same jail cell.
The irony of sexual relationships
When Millie becomes acquainted with the city, she starts to experience love, which is common with the city dwellers and girls of her age. Millie falls in love with Jimmy, and she gives him all her heart. Ironically, Jimmy is not only smart in his sales job but also in playing multiple women. After having an exciting evening of kissing Jimmy, Jimmy leaves, assuring Millie that they see each other the following day. Sardonically, Millie sees Jimmy sneaking out of Dorothy's room at night, and she realizes that she is being played.
Love and money
Millie's first impression of going to the city is to get a fashionable and rich man like her husband. However, the reality is shocking because the city turns out to be only fit for the most hardworking and smart people. When Millie falls in love with Jimmy, she refuses to accept his marriage proposal because he is a poor man. Ironically, most women like Millie want to marry for wealth instead of love. Millie, at last, comes to her realization that love must come first.
