Rose's fascination with silent movies
The irony of Rose's affinity with silent films resides in the juxtaposition between her deafness and the medium she adores. Silent films focus on visual storytelling with expressive movements, facial expressions, and title cards used to convey emotions and plots. Rose who is deaf cannot fully appreciate the auditory components of films but she finds peace and connection in the silent realm of cinema. The irony intensifies when Rose immerses herself in a medium that greatly relies on sound despite her inability to hear it. Her love of silent films demonstrates her ability to find beauty and purpose in a kind of art that may be thought unreachable to her.
The Museum of Natural History
The irony of the Museum of Natural History serving as the location for Ben and Rose's interactions and discoveries resides in the juxtaposition between the museum's association with silence and stillness and the vivid connections and answers they find within its walls. The museum, recognized for its immense collection of knowledge and wonders has long been viewed as a place of introspection and observation. However, Ben and Rose's experiences in the museum contradict this concept. Instead of encountering a silent and passive environment, they find themselves immersed in a dynamic adventure of connection and discovery. The museum becomes a place where their lives collide, where riddles are solved, and significant relationships are formed.
Ben's quest to find his father in New York City
The irony of Ben's search for his father in New York stems from the sharp contrast between the city's bustling, dynamic character and Ben's deafness which provides a barrier to meaningful communication and connection. With its cacophony of sounds, New York City portrays a world alive with life, energy, and opportunities for interaction. Ben who relies on visual signals and sign language finds it difficult to navigate this auditory-driven environment. The irony increases as Ben's voyage becomes a metaphor for the difficulties faced by those who are deaf or hard of hearing, emphasizing the lonely experiences they may confront in a society structured primarily for those who can hear.