A Gift from the American People (Verbal Irony)
When Sara’s tent accidentally catches fire, she watches, transfixed, as the flames eat through the logo on the side of her tent. The logo says “A gift from the American people.” Chancy paints a deeply ironic image in this moment. The use of the word “gift” implies the Haitians should be grateful for what they receive. As Sara reads these words, her tent, and in a broader sense her life, is going up in flames around her. The contrast between the cheery message and the stark reality in the camps condenses many of the contradictions of international aid into one striking image.
Richard’s Death (Dramatic Irony)
From the beginning of Richard’s trip to the ocean, which occurs on January 12, 2010, the reader knows the earthquake is coming. Richard, however, is unaware; his trip to the ocean fills him with a sense of hope. After his revelatory swim in the water, he walks out as if having been reborn. Then, Richard describes hearing a roaring sound and seeing Lucien run toward him. Lucien and the other drivers are running toward those in the water, shouting, and gesturing in warning. Richard is completely ignorant of the imminent danger behind him and he views Lucien’s actions as if through a fog. By contrast, the reader realizes that the roaring Richard hears is the ocean coming up behind him. These differing understandings of what is taking place is an example of dramatic irony. When Richard finally turns around to see the ocean rushing up behind him, it is too late. He is swept up in the tow and pulled under.
Didier Wanting to Protect Taffia (Dramatic Irony)
Didier feels helpless to protect or guide Sonia and Paul. Sonia has already chosen her path and Paul feels unreachable behind his wall of pent up rage. To Didier, his youngest sister Taffia is still young and innocent enough for Didier to protect her. Yet in Boston, Didier is too far away to witness the dangerous situation of the camps that Taffia is thrown into. As a young woman, Taffia is especially vulnerable to the mounting insecurity and sexual violence. The reader already knows of the aggressive harassment Taffia faces from Junior, leading eventually to a horrific rape. Yet Didier is unaware of what will happen and pours his hopes and efforts into trying to protect Taffia. This contrast between Didier’s knowledge and that of the reader is a moment of dramatic irony. Ultimately, Didier’s attempts are futile; Didier cannot protect his sister from the outside world, especially from so far away. Surviving such a violent act robs Taffia of any sense of innocence or security she had left after the earthquake.
Our American Benefactor (Verbal Irony)
Olivier is ruminating on the city of Port-au-Prince, specifically how many aspects of the city, such as employment and sewage, were a disaster. For decades, people would frustratedly wish they could blow the whole place up and begin again. Then the earthquake effectively destroys large areas of the city. Olivier comments, “How convenient! There is no other choice. We have to “build back better!” – as the gouverneur, our American benefactor says.” Olivier is being sarcastic in this moment. His enthusiastic comment of “how convenient” stands in direct opposition to the tragedy and loss that he and millions of others have experienced. Furthermore, his scathing criticism of the American government reveals that his usage of “our American benefactor” is far from genuine. Rather, it is a pointed critique of many Americans that expect gratitude from the Haitian people for often ineffective aid.
