The irony of the bear attack
Ironically, the two get attacked by bears the same day that they were out telling tourists about bears. Owen despite his immense knowledge of how to deal with bears does not apply any of it and gets attacked. He was the one advising the tourists on what to do when a bear attacks yet he is unable to save himself. They even carried bear spray to help them in case of an attack. Too much for having all that information and yet applying none of it. They even knew that they had to leave the car open just in case a bear attacked out of nowhere and they needed a place to hide. It was very disturbing that he gets attacked while knowing what he should have done. The confidence they had when warning the tourists about how dangerous the bears can be would have been translated practically to help them in that situation. Having learned about bears for three years would have fooled you that they got it under control. It was surprising that they could not help themselves with all the experiences they had.
Irony of Attachment
Akira considers her horse, Dodger to be her best friend and family which is ironic since she has a family. When the fire attacks the forest, she texts her mother and the first information she conveys is to let her know that the horse is headed home. The whole time in the car she is engrossed with only thoughts about her horse getting attacked by the fire instead of her mother and sibling who are at home. It was expected that she would check up on her mother first before informing her about the horse. Her attachment to her horse is much more than the attachment she feels for her mother and sister which is strange. Had it not been for her father mentioning her mother and the little sister she would still be thinking about her horse.
Irony of Ignorance
It is ironic especially to Akira how her father is very knowledgeable yet very ignorant on matters about climate change. Akira wonders how her father has always taught about most of the things that she knows and yet can refuse to acknowledge that humans are responsible for global warming. Akira’s dad believes that the earth goes through cyclical seasons and therefore humans have nothing to do with that. Akira expected that her dad would be more welcoming to the idea of global warming since he knows so much. Her father argues with strangers about climate change any chance he gets which angers Akira so much. Her father being so adamant with his opinion on climate change is something that Akira cannot quite fathom.
The irony of a crying father
Daniel while driving and could no longer see clearly started crying hysterically. It is ironic that while it is expected that Sue, his daughter would be the one to get scared and cry, she does not. The father who was supposed to offer assurance to her daughter crying helplessly was a strange situation. Akira even felt awkward listening to an adult cry. Parents are expected to be strong for their children, especially in times of disaster. Daniel's crying embarrassed Sue and made her feel helpless. She expected her father to calm her down not the other way around.
