Dramatic Irony: Solomon and Other Slaves
Solomon lived in a part of the country where free black people were treated with more dignity that the black people in other parts of the country. Because of this, every time he encountered a black person who was a slave, he tried to convince that person to do everything he could to free himself. Ironically, as Solomon tries to convince others to run away and free themselves, he is completely unaware that he will lose his own freedom and be forced into that same servitude.
Situational Irony: The Capitol and Slavery
Soon after being captured, Solomon notes ironically that the building he is placed in after being captured is just across the street from the Capitol. This is ironic because, inside the Capitol, many politicians saw themselves as committed to the ideals of the Founding Fathers—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—and others were even seeking to abolish slavery, yet they were unable to see or help the ones being kept wrongfully in the building just across the street.
Situational Irony: Slaveowners' Aversion to Kindness
Many slave owners harbor the idea that in order to be respected, they must treat their slaves with cruelty and inspire fear within them. As a result, many slave owners abuse and beat their slave while also looking down on the slave owners who decide to treat their slaves with kindness (one of these slave owners is Ford). Solomon notes ironically that while many slave owners are afraid that a kind attitude will make the slaves ungrateful and unwilling to listen, if the slaves are treated with kindness they are actually more willing to listen and less likely to cause problems.
Verbal Irony: Cotton Field
Solomon writes, "There are few sights more pleasant to the eye, than a wide cotton field when it is in the bloom" (109). Though the verbal irony is only barely detectable, it is impossible for modern readers not to note the irony in the fact that the cotton field is so beautiful but is also the site of incredible violence, oppression, arduous labor, and despair.
