Dramatic Irony: Skin Color and Residing in Australia
Norm tells Ahmed that he can get a job and stay in Australia because his skin color is not dark enough to be called “Mr. Midnight.” It is an irony for Norm to utter such a statement when he dislikes all the Asians who have come to his home country. Such an irony is reflected in another statement where he tells Ahmed that he likes seeing people coming to study in Australia and going back to their own country. Therefore, that statement indicates that he hates people who come to study in Australia and opts to stay there. Hence, it is ironic to tell Ahmed to study, find a job, and settle in Australia.
Irony of Safety
Amid the conversation, Norm assures Ahmed that Australia is safer than India. He goes further to compare the countries- “this isn’t India; it is Sydney.” Norm tells Ahmed that Australia has no stranglers like Bombay. However, such a statement is ironic because, at the end of their conversation, Norm is trying to strangle Ahmed. He portrays his home country as a haven while ironically, he attacks Ahmed. Thus, it is ironic to tell him that he is safe.
Verbal Irony: Language
Ironically, Norm praises Ahmed as a person who can speak better English than native-born Australian. Furthermore, he tells him that he should settle in Australia because he can’t experience a language barrier. The way he puts that statement, it is evident that Norm is ironic. Norm knows that Ahmed is not a native, just like Chinese who have come to Australia. However, he ironically praises him over the Chinese to see his reaction.
