The paradox of the title
The novel's title is paradoxical because it hints that the dead people sit and talk, which is unrealistic. However, the reader learns that this impossibility reflects Sequoyah's troubled life. Sequoyah comes from a troubled family in which his mother is an alcoholic while the father is absent. Therefore, the boy survives by living with a foster family.
The irony of Rosemary
Rosemary is slightly older than Sequoyah, and they are close to each other because they share similar experiences as Native Americans. Ironically, when Rosemary is accused of stealing Troutt’s money, she commits suicide. The reader knows that Rosemary did not steal the money, but she thinks that the best way of defending herself is by killing herself.
The Irony of Troutt
Troutt is depicted as a generous man who can adopt suffering children and give them the best in life. Ironically, it is revealed that Troutt is involved in an illegal business that gives him a lot of money which he hides in the shed. Therefore, Troutt’s generosity and care are hypocritical to blind society to honest business dealings.
The satire of George
George is a satirical character because he tells Sequoyah the secret about Troutt’s business with the intention of the secret dealings of their foster father. When money is stolen from the shed, Troutt accuses Rosemary of the theft, which leads to her suicide.
